Shaking Apt Floor Issue

[weatherphotographer]

Originally Posted by TylerSD

Hi,

I recently moved into a large apartment complex in the San Diego area. When someone walks in our apartment, things shake (e.g., can see computer monitor visibly shake, and hear rattling of pans). This even happens when my 120 lb wife walks. Even more annoying and peculiar is the floor shakes when our neighbors below us walk in their apartment. This is frequent and unsettling and feels like small earthquakes. Any thoughts on what is causing this and what we can do? We've lived above others in past apartments and have never experienced this.

Notes:
- Apartment is not that old (built around 2000), is in a nice area, is not cheap ($2100 for 2 bd/2ba), and is managed by large apartment company
- Our floor has new carpeting
- The issue is more noticeable in certain areas of the apt versus others
- The noise insulation does not appear good here -- we frequently hear the neighbors below us (talking, music/tv), as well as people in the hallway and walking the stairs.
- We reported to management, and they said there is nothing they can do about something related to building construction, and noise is common with apartment living. They claim they have not received any other reports of this from my unit or any other unit.

If nothing can be done about this, at the very least I feel like we should get a rent reduction, since this is an unusual problem and reduces our ability to enjoy our apartment. Thoughts?

Thanks!
Tyler

MOVE. It's not structurally sound.

[ladyluckbb]

Originally Posted by G0DDESS

What Faw said. * If your landlord says they can do nothing, contact the city to get an inspector to come out. They won't charge you anything and at least you'll have peace of mind knowing you aren't going to fall through the floor. He/She may even be able to give you some tips on how to stabilize the floor or put in an order to renovate it with your landlord... contact them.

I have vibration from neighbors enjoying their bed, every night, off and on all night. I own, they rent. I have asked the Board and Management company to help, but they say since I can't prove they are keeping me up, loosing sleep, they can't help. I am a senior, with health issues, and lack of sleep is serious the doctor said. I have spoken to an acoustical person, told him along with the vibration from movement in their bed, the floor pops loud enough to wake you. He said a new floor is needed probably. The landlord won't pay for that expense. All she cares about is getting her check each month.


I thought about calling the city to come inspect and even suggested it to the Board, no response. The building is 40 yrs old, has had termites, and we have had a few small earthquakes. I have not always had this problem. I have lived here 30 yrs. However, I was told the city could condemn the building and then I could not sell it. All the renter has to do is move. Or the landlord may be forced to fix it if the City finds it unsafe. So, I don't know what to do as an owner. I even put in new carpet and the best padding. You don't hear anything in my unit, but it did not stop the vibration from the two in bed.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Originally Posted by TylerSD

........ Apartment is not that old (built around 2000), .........

If the apartment was built in 2000, it was inspected and passed inspection. Calling for a building codes inspection isn't going to do anything for you except to put you on the non-renewal list so that you will be moving once your lease expires.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Originally Posted by ladyluckbb

......... All the renter has to do is move. Or the landlord may be forced to fix it if the City finds it unsafe. So, I don't know what to do as an owner. ..........

Easy solution. It is time to sell and move. In fact, I suggest that you hurry and sell before the building needs very expensive major repairs. It sounds like those repairs are coming soon.