ᐅ Cracks in the ceiling caused by running children?

Hello forum community,

I hope it’s okay that I’m asking a question here as a tenant, because I expect a lot of expertise on the topic...

A few months ago, we moved into a rented apartment on the first floor of an old building (late 19th century, three-story brick building). The apartments were renovated 5 years ago, and the walls were plastered with clay plaster.

Now, the tenant in the apartment below us told us that recently, severe cracks have appeared in the ceiling plaster of her apartment. She also finds our children quite loud. That may be true, as they are quite lively and sometimes run around inside the apartment. However, we make sure they don’t constantly jump off chairs or similar. Additionally, all the apartments have laminate flooring (according to the landlord, with impact sound insulation), and we can clearly hear the tenants above us when they walk around, even though they tend to be quiet.

She spoke to the landlord about this, and after they inspected the damage, it seems that the entire plaster in her ceiling will need to be replaced. Of course, this is the landlord’s responsibility, but the time required is significant, especially for a single mother with two children, as she has to empty all the rooms.

The tenant below connects this to us moving into the apartment above, saying the cracks only appeared since we moved in. Apparently, the previous tenants were quieter. I really can’t imagine that two children weighing a maximum of 20 kg (44 lbs) running around could cause the plaster below to crumble? Based on my basic understanding of construction, there are always cavities in ceilings, so vibrations shouldn’t be transmitted so directly, right? Sure, if I had two overweight 15-year-olds regularly practicing martial arts indoors, I could imagine that, but with slender kindergarten children? What kind of building is it if it can’t handle that…?

The noise issue is separate, and I understand that. We are considering putting carpets in the main rooms.

Is it conceivable that running children could have such an impact? Or how else could cracks in the clay plaster below appear within just a few months? By the way, we also have cracks, but they seem normal and don’t look like the plaster is about to come down.

Thanks in advance if anyone took the time to read this!

The construction year refers to a wooden beam ceiling.
This type of ceiling has the characteristic of having some springiness.
If the newly applied plaster on the underside falls off again, it is either because it is not suitable for this type of ceiling or it was not applied properly.
Apart from that: you (the parents) probably make less noise when walking, but you likely put considerably more load on the ceiling than the children.
If the tenant below finds it too loud, she should consider looking for accommodation elsewhere. And she might as well have her cat pay for her pension.

apokolok schrieb:

If the tenant among you finds it too noisy, she should please look for housing elsewhere. And she can have her cat pay for her retirement at the same time.

What makes you say that? Didn’t sleep well?
Of course, it is the landlord’s responsibility if the work was done poorly. He must fix it.
However, I would like to point out the generally known neighborhood regulations once again. These primarily state that mutual consideration is the highest priority. If the floors are known to provide little impact sound insulation, I think it is fair to do everything possible to protect the subtenant from noisy footsteps. A thick carpet is also much nicer for the children’s feet.
And having a friendly neighbor is definitely nicer than an annoyed one...

kaho674 schrieb:
What makes you say that? Did you sleep poorly?
Of course, if the landlord did a poor job, it’s their responsibility to fix it.
However, I’d like to point out the commonly known neighborhood laws. They state that mutual consideration is the highest priority. If experience shows that the ceilings offer little impact sound insulation, I think it’s fair to do everything possible to protect the tenant below from the noise of children running around. A thick carpet is also much nicer for children’s feet.
And a friendly neighbor is always better than an annoyed one...

I tend to agree more with apokolok, who also hits the mark regarding moving out! Kids will be kids! If the carpet doesn’t help... what then? Should kids be taped to their chairs with duct tape?

Last year, we were also confronted by a rather unfriendly retiree telling us that the kids shouldn’t make so much noise after 6:30 pm (18:30). She got a firm response from me… now the whole neighborhood knows about it. Since then, there hasn’t been any more criticism.

kaho674 schrieb:
How come? Did you have a bad night?
Of course, it’s the landlord’s responsibility if shoddy work was done. They must fix it.
However, I would like to point out the generally known neighborhood law again. It states, first and foremost, that mutual consideration is the highest priority. If the ceilings typically provide little impact sound insulation, I think it’s fair to do everything possible to spare the tenants below from noisy footsteps. A thick carpet is also much nicer for the children’s feet.
And a friendly neighbor is definitely better than an annoyed one…

Well, I’m sleeping quite well again now. But anyone who has had small children knows that, as a dedicated parent, you sometimes get very little or no sleep at all.
And when some people feel the need to complain about the noise, your patience can wear very thin.
Unlike barking dogs or brass instruments, children are not purely a private matter but an essential part of a functioning society.
As for the neighborhood law, I’d be happy to print it out and give it to my children for making paper airplanes.

apokolok schrieb:

Unlike yapping dogs and brass instruments, children are not merely a private pleasure but an essential part of a functioning society.

Although I’m probably alone in this, I see it very differently. Humans are like a plague, and every unborn child is the best contribution to saving the planet. The fact that this plague behaves like a bull in a china shop only makes it more repulsive.