It is not unusual to be occasionally disturbed by noise from your neighbour(s).
You could be disturbed for the following reasons:
- Your neighbours are behaving unreasonably
- A clash of lifestyles - for example where a property occupier goes to bed late or leaves early for work
- Poor sound insulation in your home - this is particularly the case in flats or between attached properties
- You are sensitive to noise - for example as a result of a medical condition or from shift working
Often a neighbour may not be aware that their actions have caused a disturbance and if you feel able to do so, please talk to your neighbours about any disturbances that they have caused you.
When can we investigate:
We can investigate noise complaints where noise:
- Occurs frequently
- Is very loud
- Continues for long periods
- Occurs late at night
- Is deliberate or malicious
We must be able to obtain evidence that the neighbours are behaving unreasonably and that the complaint does not result from a clash of lifestyles, poor sound insulation or particular sensitivities to noise.
What we cannot investigate:
- Children playing
- Babies crying
- Footsteps or your neighbour walking in their property
- Talking (at normal volumes)
- Swearing and cursing
- Cars and motorbikes starting
- Use of a vacuum or washing machine (unless very late at night)
Types of noisy neighbour complaint we frequently investigate:
- Loud music
- Practising musical instruments
- Shouting and screaming
- Banging and crashing
- DIY
- Dog barking
- Cockerels
Report a noise problem online- we aim to respond to complaints within 7 working days