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Installing flooring alternatives without the right underlay or approvals can dramatically increase impact noise, echoing into neighbours\u2019 homes.<\/p>\n
Neighbour wars over noise are exploding across unit blocks, with Aussies warned a simple home reno was triggering costly disputes, legal action \u2013 and even orders to rip floors out from under them.<\/p>\n
Tribunal decisions are coming down against owners who swap older-style carpet out for modern tiles, engineered timber, vinyl or hybrid planks \u2013 often unaware that skipping approvals or acoustic treatment can breach by-laws and spark a flood of neighbour complaints.<\/p>\n
MORE: \u2018Political suicide\u2019: Investor\u2019s brutal call on tax reform<\/a><\/p>\n Axed: Albo orders $3bn ADF sell off of 64 sites<\/a><\/p>\n Repeated noise above accepted levels may be hazardous to your neighbour\u2019s goodwill.<\/p>\n Archers the Strata Professionals chief executive Nicky Lonergan said \u201cinstalling flooring alternatives without the right underlay or approvals can dramatically increase impact noise, echoing into neighbours\u2019 homes in buildings never designed for hard surfaces\u201d.<\/p>\n Ms Lonergan warned One Sunshine Coast complex was locked in a two-year dispute after a unit replaced flooring with vinyl planks without acoustic underlay, infuriating residents below. <\/p>\n The neighbours documented repeated disturbances, including heavy footfall, furniture dragging, and door slamming, often late at night.<\/p>\n Airbnb-style short-term rentals were also intensifying such disputes, with frequent guest turnover and late-night arrivals adding to complaints. <\/p>\n \u201cMost strata schemes operate under noise by-laws that prohibit interference with another resident\u2019s peaceful enjoyment. Persistent impact noise from non-compliant flooring can constitute a breach,\u201d she warned.<\/p>\n If there is a dispute, the body corporate can seek an order from the Body Corporate Commissioner in Queensland, who among other things can require the owner to modify or remove the flooring. The owner can then appeal that decision to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal if they choose. Various states have their own setups for such circumstances.<\/p>\n MORE: Dodgy tradie act sparks urgent Aussie warning<\/a><\/p>\n $850k windfall for Haas ahead of big move<\/a><\/p>\n Hardwood flooring trends may look great, but can be hell for your downstairs neighbour if the acoustics are not taken care of.<\/p>\n \u201cHard flooring isn\u2019t automatically banned, but many schemes require owners to seek approval and demonstrate that new flooring meets minimum acoustic standards. If it doesn\u2019t, the body corporate may require remedial works, or in some cases, removal with the previous type of flooring reinstated.\u201d<\/p>\n A recent case in Manly highlighted the risks with a lot owner ordered by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal to install compliant flooring alternatives.<\/p>\n This as Bannermans DIY By-Laws warned lot owners thinking of replacing carpet with timber, vinyl or hybrid floors to carefully review strata by-laws, consider the impact on neighbours and follow the correct approval process to ensure flooring only needs to be installed once.<\/p>\n Bannermans also flagged the need for owners corporations to review by-law provisions on consent for flooring works, acoustic standards and required documentation before and after such renovations.<\/p>\n MORE: Albo under pressure as housing debate reignites<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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