I live on the first floor of a two-story condo. Each unit has a nook with hookups for a stackable washer dryer combo in the second bathroom. When I first moved in I did not hear anything from overhead. Then, several months later, I heard what can best be described as a low-impact, deep-based pulsing intermittent groaning/hum/vibration. I asked my upstairs neighbors (married couple) what the sound might be. He said it was likely the new washer that the owner had installed for them. He said it’s really loud. By the way, the flooring in the bathrooms is linoleum.

The deep base vibration travels through my ceiling and walls. Why did I not hear anything from their previous washer? After these intermittent sounds, you can hear the spin mode start and the noise fades away. But, there is plenty of time it starts and stops over the course of the wash cycle.

I asked the husband if they could put some antivibration pads/feet underneath. He said he would look into it. After a few weeks, nothing changed. So, I inquired again and he said it slipped his mind but he would check into it. I told him that I would happily purchase the antivibration pads for him and even help install them. He politely said he would take care of it himself. Still, nothing changed.

Apparently, these condos were apartments prior to conversion. The complex was built in 1986. Unbeknownst to me at the time of purchase and moving in I learned that many of these units are investor-owned. Therefore, many of the units are rentals. That would be the case for my neighbors above. The washer was replaced by the owner who lives out of state. So, I thought maybe it would be best to contact the owner directly. Upon finding the owner of the unit's contact information, I decided to call. Before I could go beyond telling her I was the new owner of the unit below hers, she told me never to call her number again and hung up on me.

So, I called the property management company. I am still waiting to hear back to my email as of last week. I explained the problem in the email and included all the aforementioned in this post.

It is very confusing how to navigate this matter. Who is responsible to resolve the noise transmission? Why did the previous washer not make any noise through the walls/floor? Who is ultimately responsible to remedy the issue…the tenant, the owner, the property management company, HOA board? Is it acceptable for me to expect something to be tried to help mitigate the noise? And last but not least, specifically, what is causing and why am I now hearing that irritating groan sound from the new washer where it was completely absent before?!

I am new to the forum and would greatly appreciate any feedback.

Richard