What can I do about extreme hearing and noise pollution in my new studio? (Private sector)

Questioner

Since March 16, 2021, I have moved to a beautiful studio, after living in a room for 5.5 years. Because I needed more peace and privacy because I have been working for a long time and the fact that I am reintegrating after unfortunately being out of action, I have been busy for a long time finding my own place that would give me this. However, after 2 weeks I noticed how poorly the wall at my loft is insulated, these are only 2 plasterboards with some insulation in between. My bed is there and should be there as well as that of my neighbor, but I literally heard and hear everything my neighbor says/does. I wake up from her alarm clock, hear her yawn. Let alone other sounds... it is not only audible via the loft but also downstairs in the living room. Living sounds, TV that is on, entire telephone conversations I can understand and she can also understand mine. Now the landlord does not want to change anything because he can prove that the building papers would be good after inspection and delivery of the property in 1957. I do not want to get in the way of my rental agent because she has offered that if I find something else in this time, she wants to waive the one-month notice period for me and she is actively looking for it. However, it is really not liveable here, parties are also thrown at night and during the week and no account is taken of me. I have often pointed out the noise pollution to my neighbor but nothing helps. Because it can take a long time in this market before I have found something new, I would like to ask what rights I still have and what steps I can best take? I am a bit close to despair. I now have sound recordings and a document from 3.5 weeks with sound that I hear, but I also wonder whether it is wise to come to my rental agent with this proof for fear that I will still have to pay a month's notice period if I find something else. My savings were used up in the move so I can't afford to pay double rent. I really hope you can help me. Kind regards,

Lawyer

You can request the rent assessment committee to assess or determine the initial rent; if it appears that this home falls within the points of a social housing unit, the rent assessment committee will determine the rent in a binding manner and you can also have the noise problem assessed as a defect by the rent assessment committee. In addition, you can address the landlord about this defect in the home and demand a reduction in the rent as long as the defect has not been remedied.