Submitted by SwimmingDoughnut6 t3_123u998 in washingtondc
Recently rented an apt and they’re building an extension next to my building. It’s very Loud but only during working hours and on saturdays. It’s disrupting. Is there anything I can do to get a rent decrease or break lease without paying anything?
It’s for a whole year
Which is not forever.
As others have said, earplugs, or try and move.
It happens :/
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And?
>It’s very Loud but only during working hours and on saturdays.
These are typical work hours since it's generally prohibited during night time hours unless they have a special permit or it's emergency work.
As someone else mentioned unless you can get a city inspector out and record the db in not in compliance in noise ordinance & working hours there aren't too many options.
Have you tried asking them to build more quietly?
Actual LOL
Welcome to living in a growing city
You’re stuck with it or break your lease
No. I’ve had construction next to my place for the past month and it’s supposed to last another month. Kinda just stuck.
Assuming you’re renting from a private landlord, they might be willing to break the lease for you if you find the next tenant and they take over without any break in renting.
Nothing. Break your lease if it’s an issue for you.
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Been in this situation twice before. It sucks, but nothing you can really do outside of breaking your lease. Earplugs and noise canceling headphones do go a long way, however.
Welcome to living in DC! I feel like every neighborhood is constantly under construction. Going to be hard to avoid. I've gotten used to it.
I would consider splurging on a wework or some kind of alternative area to work for a while. Or consider heading to the library for a few hours if the wifi is good and you don’t have calls. I’ve been in this position, it totally sucks
Can you go to the office….
Did you not tour/visit your building before signing the lease?
I know it’s aggravating and feel bad for you but also, think about what you’re asking here
I did and completely made a bad call in renting this place. She said the walls were soundproof only light noise would come through
Has anyone had experience with building construction near them? After the exterior is built, is it still loud when they are building the inside?
If they're still in the demo phase, then you'll hear the jackhammers for a while. After that the loudest thing is usually the big hammer machine that sinks the foundation beams (if they're doing it that way). Bam, bam, bam all day. That only lasts a few weeks though usually. Once the foundation goes in, it gets a lot more quiet. Cranes and power tools aren't that loud.
It is still loud/noticeable, but definitely not as bad once the exterior is complete (and windows are installed). I second the suggestions for noise-cancelling ear plugs (comfy ones to sleep in and bluetooth for working). I will also say, you may adjust after a few weeks - I don’t get woken up anymore when it starts in the morning because my system is just used to it.
Pretty much everyone who lives in DC has had construction near them at some point.
Thanks. Which is why I’m asking what to expect.
keyjan t1_jdwcxyo wrote
probably not. As long as the construction doesn't violate the noise ordinances, you're just going to have to invest in some good earplugs.
At least it won't last forever.