What about a noisy neighbour?

The owner of the apartment above me in our community has rented out her flat to a woman and her daughter. Now they have bought a puppy, and we are subjected to frequent loud barking.

Also, the mother sometimes stays out until late at night, leaving the daughter to play noisily until around 3am.

I and other neighbours have protested to the mother about the noise. I presented a petition to the administrator and we have spoken to the president and vice president about it.

Do all rental contracts have ‘No Pets’ included? Is ‘noise after midnight’ a violation of community rules or Spanish law? Can you advise me of any solution?

B J (Costa del Sol)

No, not all rental contracts forbid the keeping of pets and there is no specific prohibition against noise after midnight either in community rules or Spanish law. However, if the mother leaves a minor child alone in the house late at night, she could face serious charges if someone informed the authorities.  A simple mention of this possibility might bring about better cooperation.

Send your questions for David Searl through lawyers Ubeda-Retana and Associates in Fuengirola at Ask@lawtaxspain.com, or call 952 667 090.