© 2025 News On The Block. All rights reserved.
News on the Block is a trading name of Premier Property Media Ltd.
© 2025 News On The Block. All rights reserved.
News on the Block is a trading name of Premier Property Media Ltd.
I am a 24-year-old single woman living on my own in an apartment block. Every-time I leave my apartment the man down the hallway seems to leave his at the same time and enters the lift with me. He is not an unpleasant person to talk to but he always steers the conversation round to chatting me up and I am just not interested. What can I do?
G.S., NW8
Be sure that this gentleman is really timing his departures to coincide with yours. If you are worried that he may have an unwanted attraction to you, you should try to let him down gently by explaining that you are not interested in him, but do not be afraid to become quite firm in your explanation should that be necessary.
Erika Laffan, Property Manager.
My next-door neighbour is terribly noisy. He plays loud music and has his television on day and night. When I complain to him he is apologetic and seems quite shocked that he has been so anti-social. Yet he still continues to make this excessive amount of noise.
F.L., W14
You have a legal right to seek an order from the court prohibiting such behaviour provided you can establish your facts. Have a look at your lease and see what rights it gives you in addition and remember you can always call the environmental health officer to intervene because the local authority may have certain powers that they may be able to use. Finally, why not consider asking the Chairman of your Residents' Association to intervene.
Des Taylor, Solicitor.
This may sound bizarre but I am starting to worry that my next-door neighbour is running a brothel. She is a very friendly attractive young woman who is perfectly nice to me but there are men coming and going at all times of day and night and they are all sorts of ages.
On more than one occasion I have been knocked up late at night by a middle aged man who on seeing me on my night apparel is obviously embarrassed that he has got the wrong address.
R.Y., W1
It is certain that the lease or tenancy agreement of your neighbour would not permit any illegal or immoral activity. You are entitled to take action in the County Court. If the premises are being used in the way you describe, why not call the local police station to investigate because a criminal offence may well be committed.
Des Taylor, Solicitor.
I am disturbed in the evening by footsteps in the flat above because the tenant upstairs has pulled up the carpets in some of the rooms. Is there anything I can do about this?
W.G., EC1
Check your lease. It may well contain a provision which is quite usual requiring all floors to be carpeted. If so, get in touch with your managing agents because they may well take action on your behalf. If not, you are left with your common law rights as to nuisance but you may need to call some independent expert to confirm that the distraction is sufficiently serious to upset a reasonable person.
Erika Laffan, Property Manager.