Noise control advice for neighbours

Everyone can expect some noise from their neighbours as no house or flat is totally soundproof, but any noise should be reasonable.

Things to consider if you have a noisy neighbour

If you are experiencing noise from your neighbour these are things to consider before making a complaint.

• If you live in an attached house or flat you will at time be able to hear noise from your neighbours in their home because noise travels through walls and floors/ceilings. 
• You may have poor insulation between you and your neighbour which will mean that you will be able to hear each other.
• If you can hear their music/TV they may be able to hear yours as well, so first consider whether you may be disturbing them. 
• You could either speak to your neighbour or put a note through the door explaining how you are affected and asking them to keep the volume down. There is a suggested letter format on our website that can be printed off and used. 

Resolving noise problems with your neighbour

Noise disputes are often resolved informally. Legal action should be a last resort. It is unpleasant and will inevitably further sour the relationship between you and your neighbour. It is very important that you do your best to resolve any problem in a friendly way:

• Approach your neighbour and explain politely that you are being troubled by noise. You may find this difficult, but often people are unaware that they are causing a problem. Most will be glad to do what they can to reduce noise. However, approach the matter carefully if you think your neighbour might react angrily to a complaint.
• If the problem continues, start a diary recording dates, times and cause of the noise, and the effects it has on you.
• Write to your neighbour explaining the problem. Ask them to stop the noise nuisance, referring to any conversations you may have had and what, if anything, they agreed to do about it. 
• Keep a record of any conversations you have or letters you write. If your neighbours are tenants, discuss your problem with their landlord (if they are private tenants, you may need to find out who the landlord is). If they are council tenants contact us on 01865 249811. Most Conditions of Tenancy require that tenants do not cause nuisance to neighbours and landlords should take action if a nuisance is being caused.
• Mediation can often help resolve some neighbour disputes. It is a step by step process in which an impartial mediator helps people in dispute settle their differences quickly and confidentially. It does not seek to prove right or wrong but helps those involved to identify what they want to change. 

Common neighbour noise complaints

Loud music or television

Not everyone appreciates the same level or type of music, particularly if it prevents them from sleeping. 

• Please try to keep music at a reasonable level, especially at night or when your doors and windows are open.
• Remember that sound travels through walls and ceilings too - especially if the sound insulation is not very good.
• To help reduce sound levels you might consider isolating your speakers from the floor or shared wall.
• If it is late at night wear headphones or use a personal stereo. Night time noise is much more disturbing because people are trying to sleep. 
• A good indication of whether your music is too loud is if you can hear it in all the other rooms of your house. Or, if you went outside in the street or garden, you could hear it with windows and doors closed. 
• Try talking to your neighbour, apologise and reach an agreement on what is acceptable during the day and at night. 
• There is a widely believed myth that you can make as much noise as you like before 11pm. This is not true. It is possible for your music/TV to be unacceptably loud during the day too.
• In the event of serious and persistent noise disturbance we have the power to seize and retain your possessions that are causing a disturbance with noise.

Playing musical instruments

• There are no set times when you can play a musical instrument without issue. If you play a musical instrument avoid practicing early in the morning or late evening/night. If the instrument has an amplifier, turn the volume down or preferably use headphones. 
• If you have a piano, situate it away from a party wall, or not in a room adjoining a neighbour's bedroom. Consider using damping carpet underneath the feet to absorb some sound. 
• Speak to your neighbour about agreeing times and duration, frequency that would be acceptable to you both.

Using household appliances 

There are no set times when it acceptable to use a vacuum cleaner or the washing machine/tumble drier. However, if you live in a flat it is likely that the noise will be heard by your neighbours so it is advisable not to use after 11pm when people are trying to sleep. This may still be too late for some people, if they have young children sleeping or they wish to relax in the evening and 9pm may be more appropriate.

Barking dog

There can be a number of reasons why your dog is barking, such as boredom or being left alone for too long. There is a lot of information on the Dog Trust website on dog behaviour which may help you. General advice includes:

• don't let your dog bark or whine for long periods
• if your dog barks constantly when left alone, make arrangements to leave it with a neighbour or friend or get someone to call in
• leave your dog's favourite toy or put the radio on at a very low volume
• if it's a real problem, consult your vet for advice about training

More information

Downloads for neighbour noise nuisance complaints

How to report a noise problem