Neighbour sends noise complaint in a note after grandparents care for kids

A couple caring for their grandchildren has received a note from a neighbour over "screaming" kids, accusing them of "disturbing the peace."

A copy of the note has been shared on Reddit's 'Sydney' thread by the children's mother along with the description: "A note my in laws were handed over the fence at their town house in Ashfield, while looking after our kids on a much needed date night."

The note, which was written on September 25, read: "Dear Neighbour. Could you please consider that sound travels and your grandkids are making a lot of noise.

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"We are all entitled to the 'peaceful enjoyment' in our apartments. Today your visitors have been screaming and dragging loud toys and disturbing the peace," it continued.

"You live in high density housing with lots of neighbours. We have kids in our building and they go to the park when they need to make noise. You can too," the neighbour wrote.

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"I just wanted a nice quiet day in my apartment but can't have that as your supervision of kids is non-existent. Lack of consideration for others.

"If this continues I will consider contacting strata and police as we are aware of our rights.

The note ends by saying: "There is no need for screaming. Thank you. It is our day of rest on Sunday."

The neighbour's complaint has left Redditers divided.

"As an apartment dweller myself, I totally understand their point. We have young kids too but make every effort to teach them to not bang and jump around as it echos through the building," one person writes.

"That said, I'd expect this kind of letter after repetitive noise disturbances, not just a one off."

Another commented: Reading this post while a party is happening next door with screaming children, I also happen to live in a townhouse with inconsiderate neighbours. I would love hand them this letter but sadly they wouldn't give a sh-t."

One grandparent wrote: "We live in apartment and have our 4yo grandson stay over twice a week. It's the same for lots of apartments around us. We are all aware sound travels so don't let the grandkids scream, run around loudly or bash things on the ground. It's common courtesy.

"It's no different to barking dogs, yelling, loud music, and thumping and crashing. Don't do it. And stop your guests of any age doing it either."

Another said: "Agreed. I was shocked by the lack of common courtesy when I first started renting an apartment. I walk around my place like a damn ninja to make sure I don't disturb the person below."

Although one Redditer gave a different perspective, writing: "Kids screaming does suck but this seems extreme if it was a one off and the kids aren't actually living there."

Another agrees, commenting: "But your neighbour needs to chill, since it was one day. If it was multiple then... I would speak to the neighbour in person. They seem a bit dramatic in that sense."

One person points the finger squarely at a lack of soundproofing in the building in question.

"In other words: your building construction standard is sh-te," they write.

This is backed up in another comment, which reads: "its absolutely ridiculous that soundproofing isn't required and tested for before allowing apartments to go on sale."