Reduction for noise

The grievors sought a reduction in their rent by 20% due to offensive noises originating from adjacent townhouses and due to poor soundproofing between the units.

The grievors, shift workers, complained of the sound proofing between the master bedroom and the adjacent bathroom. The Rental of Government Housing Committee requested that Public Works investigate the complaint and report. The Public Works report advised that their initial assessment confirmed that there was significant noise transmission, most significant between bedrooms and bathrooms.

The Administrative Committee considered and agreed with the report of the Rental of Government Housing Committee in that the grievors were not being treated within the intent of the directive.

The Administrative Committee further agreed with the report in that a rental reduction be granted to the grievors for loss of privacy and enjoyment due to the fact that it had clearly been established that offensive noises existed and could by reason of their frequency and level be categorized as "moderate" and that a reduction in rent be applied as per Table 3 of the directive with a retroactive effective date of March 24, 1992, the date on which the grievances were filed.

To the extent that the above meets the corrective action sought the grievance was upheld.