creaky floors and uncooperative neighbor

Hi all, We recently bought a coop in Brooklyn and moved in. The neighbor above is a tenant. The bldg has higher ratio of tenants and they recently placed restriction on subletting. We are hearing creaky noises (loud metallic squeaking) when they walk upstairs and we spoke to the neighbor who first was not very cooperative but then offered us access to his place to demonstrate it is in floors. The... [more]

Hi all, We recently bought a coop in Brooklyn and moved in. The neighbor above is a tenant. The bldg has higher ratio of tenants and they recently placed restriction on subletting. We are hearing creaky noises (loud metallic squeaking) when they walk upstairs and we spoke to the neighbor who first was not very cooperative but then offered us access to his place to demonstrate it is in floors. The hardwood floors are in good condition. I noticed that where they have a small rug the floors are not squeaking on that part. I suggested to put a rug which the neighbor may or may not do as he is claiming he is allergic to rugs. I suggested to buy a material which wont cause allergies. I pleaded to work with him and we can even offer him money to buy a rug but I am not sure if he wants to cooperate. What are our options to address this if neighbor refuses to put an area rug? I read somewhere that 80 percent of the floor has to be carpeted if it is noisy to the neighbors? is that correct? We will be forced to approach the management company and the board re this issue but it would be helpful if anyone knows the law in NYC or have dealt with an issue like this. Thanks to all. [less]