I've lived in the same ground level flat for 2.5 years in the young suburb of St.Kilda. it's a small group of 6 dwellings and everyone gets along, that was until we had new Tennant's move in directly above us.
I've never conversed with the new Tennant's, the first interaction was a letter from their real estate agent advising us that if we didn't make adjustments to our noise levels then further actions would be taken.
2 weeks later an email came through from my landlord who I lease through privately with a documented list of sound disruptions, these were things like
3pm - loud drunk men playing music
7am - door slamming
7am - car idling
6pm - loud talking
4pm - loud music
I phoned my landlord instantly and explained that I wasn't denieing any of the accusations, infact I agreed with them but the fact was that they are not matters to complain about to which he agreed.
About a week later after work a couple mates we're around about 4pm on a Friday "I hope this won't be happening all night!!!!". I was inside so when my friend told me I thought I'd try and nip the situation in the bud. I waited about 10 minutes and seeing as we share the same back stair case, I walked up and knocked on the door. Explained that I think we got off to the wrong start, introduced myself and my 3month old puppy that was in my arms at the time and tried to understand how we could come to an understanding. This lady was so unreasonable, yelling at me, arguing. After then minutes I said I've tried to do the right thing and I'm sorry we can't work things out.
She went to the police! Said I circumnavigated her security system a d that I used bullying and intimating tactics and threatened an IVO.
I've realised this couple is crazy, but I'm worried that they have all this documented information even though I've done nothing wrong. I just got an email from the council that they have also complained too.
I'm a tradie in my 30's, I live with my girlfriend and little doggo, I'm in bed, lights off by 8.30pm 6 nights a week and on a Saturday night I might be up until 10pm. We have no parties beyond a couple Stubbies on our porch after work with a radio going.
Should we contact vcat? The council? I just want to get on the front foot because this couple upstairs obviously has an agenda and seems like they've done this before. I've gathered statements from all other tennants that state that I am in no means a bad neighbour and that I don't disrupt the privacy or noise levels of anyone else. Also in 2.5 years I haven't had a complaint about me previously.
What a piece of work.
I think council would only take concern with actual excessive noise, not her petty squabblings (ie. What the EPA would seem excessive), so the list you’ve received thus far should suggest you’re safe. Add to that you have statements from your neighbours, so I think you have positive documentation as well.