It's not a law, some buildings or landlords put it in their rental contract, some don't. We last looked for apartments maybe 2002-03, some apartments had that as a clause, some didn't.

So, legally, you probably have no leg to stand on there.

Socially, you might as well try approaching your neighbor in a friendly way, maybe put it in terms of blaming the building for not being well sound-proofed, not blaming him. (After all, it's not his fault, is it?) Maybe when he realizes how loud it is, he'll take off his shoes. Or not. One ex-neighbor of ours said "Yeah, that's why I got the top floor, so I don't have to listen to other people." He was a jerk, but since then we've had good neighbors.

Good luck.

I've heard that some co-ops or condos have a carpet clause, like "60% must be covered", but I've never heard of it for rentals even in NYC, which I assume you are since you don't mention complaining to a board.

Unless you can get your landlord to intercede, you'll either need to work on your people skills or start apartment shopping.

you'll never get it to be quiet. move to a building with cement floors or the top floor.

Though if you own and moving is not an option, consider putting in a drop ceiling with insulation for the sound.

But your neighbor can walk around and move furniture and do what he wants all day and night on his nice hardwood floors.

Nope.

is there a website specific to JC which can answer any legal rights questions, etc?


right now i have a neighbor living above me who walks around all day in night in what must be ski boots. i constantly get woken up by his/her/their clamoring, moving of furniture, etc.


i told them they have to put down carpet, and someone else in the building said "i never heard about that law." it was a law in NYC, so i was assuming there was one here as well.


thoughts?