It is not just the tapping sound, it is the constant mineral water pooling on my fire escape and rusting the slats!! I already left a note, super says it's 'condensation, not a leak,' but the puddle is exactly where I hang my herbs. Does anyone know if the city actually requires a drip pan or if that's only for projecting units over the sidewalk? Also have you tried those silicone mats or a little plastic shoe tray zip-tied to the rail? I'm this close to just running a hose to the drain pipe, but I don't want a fine or a war with 4F. Please tell me I'm not crazy!

Wait, I just moved into a fourth floor walkup and my upstairs neighbor has an AC drip too! I thought it was rain but it's been completely dry. Is the drip pan something you put on your own fire escape, or do they have to install it under their unit? I've never had a window AC before, so this is all new. Following because I don't want to complain and immediately look like the new nuisance. Also what happens when it freezes in winter? Does that crack the fire escape?

Been there. Condensation is still water, and if it's landing on your fire escape, that's a legit complaint. There's no city inspector who's gonna make them use a pan unless the super is in the mood. I'd skip another note and try talking to 4F like a person. Some folks really don't realize you can hear every single drip. If they're not home, get the super to throw a shim under the AC so it tilts back, though that can just move the drip to their sill instead of yours. Quick fix: put a thick rubber mat where the drop hits, cheap and stops the click. Don't go drilling into the fire escape.

Have you tried a rubber paver with drainage holes? I had this exact situation in Park Slope and I used a small rubber horse stall mat cut to size, and it completely killed the sound! The rusting slats though? That's a real fire code issue if it's been going on for years. Also, if the drip is from the AC condensate line, the unit might not be seated properly! The bracket needs to slope out and down, but on prewar windows there's no lip, so the water runs backwards and down the brick to your fire escape. You can actually get a cheap clip-on diverter that sticks to the sill with gel tape and guides it to the drainpipe. I would email the super with photos and the words 'ongoing water damage' because that gets attention!!

Thank you all! big_city_beth, yes a drip pan usually goes under the AC's rear outside lip or on the sill, not on your fire escape, and definitely don't put anything flammable out there. Woodhaven_W, I did try the rubber mat but it got gross with pollen and the super said it was a tripping hazard if FDNY ever needed to use the fire escape. ProspectParkPicnic, the clip-on diverter is exactly what I was hoping someone would mention! I am going to ask 4F directly and offer to buy the little silicone drip tray that attaches to the AC sleeve. I'll take a photo first. If they say no, I'm emailing management with 'ongoing water damage' like you said. The rust is already orange on my windowsill and it is July, imagine October!