Hi, lived in my current flat for over 5 years in Berlin. Since December I have been disturbed constantly by noise from the sound of walking across the floor of the flat above me.

I've lived around the world in many flats but have no experience of this level. It sounds like an elephant walking around up there. Have spoken to tenant and at the moment the sub-tenant but not getting anywhere.

I've basically had 5 years in this flat with no problems so what could be the reason for it? The present expat tennant had been in the flat sometime before this problem arose, around the time it began I did hear him doing what sounded like work on the floor. I thought that he had fitted laminate flooring but have been told that this is not the case.

What could it be and what steps can I take to get my peace and quiet back plus uninterrupted sleep without moving? I'm not sure if my landlord is taking it seriously but imagine that they have the power to solve it. Have a meeting with them this week.

All suggestions and advice warmly welcomed.

ps This sounds rediculous but can the Police be called about this kind of noise problem? The engineer who examined the flat above actually suggested this in an email to me but I thought that he was trying to wash his hands of the problem.

John Terry