We want everyone to enjoy living in their home, and would ask residents are both considerate and tolerant.

We would not normally consider day-to-day living noises, or one of instances to be antisocial behaviour.

Loud noise and music would only be considered antisocial behaviour if the noise is persistent.

  • 'Persistent Noise Nuisance' means the disturbance lasts for continuous periods of over 30 minutes a day for at least 5 days within one week.
  • ‘Night-time’ – after 11 pm and before 7 am

We will not consider the following noise complaints as ASB:

  • Issues that arise due to differing lifestyles which are not intended to cause nuisance or annoyance.
  • Intermittent music.
  • Noise created by transference.
  • Noise created by movement, such as footsteps or door slamming.
  • One off parties or celebrations
  • Children playing, including ball games and babies crying

If the neighbour who is creating the noise nuisance is not a PA Housing resident then we will have no authority to act against them.

We would not usually consider this to be antisocial behaviour.

DIY around the house and jobs in the garden can cause a lot of noise but isn’t considered as antisocial behaviour.

If you are going to do noisy DIY work if possible, let your neighbours know what you are doing and roughly how long the work might take.

  • Try and plan the noisiest tasks in the middle of the day – if you must start early, do quieter jobs first.
  • Make sure your tools are well maintained and if possible use lower/quieter settings on power tools.

Our gardens should be a place to rest, relax and play. Remember that any noise you make in your garden will be heard by your neighbours.

  • Try and carry out noisy activities in the middle of the day for example mowing the lawn.
  • Where possible purchase quieter equipment and maintain your equipment properly.
  • If a child’s toy or game is extremely noisy, try and find quieter alternatives.
  • If you have a barbeque or party, tell your neighbours, invite them if appropriate, avoid playing amplified music out of doors and if anyone does complain, turn it down.  Either end your party or bring your guests indoors at a reasonable time.

 

If you have concerns about the welfare of a pet, you should contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 4999.

If you are being disturbed by a neighbour’s pet we suggest you have a friendly word with your neighbour because they might not be aware there is a problem.

You could try using our 'Dear Neighbour' card  or the Noise App above. 

If the behaviour is persistent, you do not feel safe approaching your neighbour, or you have tried and the situation has not improved, please complete our diary sheets with dates and times of the incidents, which can be found above.

If talking does not help you should contact the local Environmental Health Officer, which is run by your local authority.  Should the local authority take enforcement action, we can use this as evidence against the dog owner if appropriate.

 

Household appliances

  • When buying new appliances, buy a quieter model – not all models have a noise rating, but look out for the “Quiet Mark”.  Where possible, position them to cause the least disturbance to your neighbour.
  • For washing machines, if possible, place on an even floor; do not overload, and run the machine at a time when it will least disturb neighbours. Remember the final spin is the noisiest bit.
  • Do the vacuuming at a reasonable time – especially if you live in a flat or terrace. Avoid early morning or late night cleaning sprees.
  • In the kitchen, avoid banging pans and cupboard doors and don’t use blenders on surfaces attached to party walls.
  • If a neighbour states that a particular device is noisy please be considerate with the timings when you use it.

Entering and leaving your home

  • Avoid slamming front doors or communal entrance doors, particularly late at night or early morning.
  • If expecting a visitor or a taxi, ask them to knock rather than sound the horn and try not to slam your door or car doors.
  • Please remember noise in communal hallways and stairwells travels, so avoid loud phone calls or conversations outside normal waking hours.

Alarms

Alarms are designed to make a noise – but misfiring alarms can be very disturbing and annoying.

  • Ensure you choose a reliable product and ensure it’s serviced regularly.
  • Car and intruder alarms should have a 20 minute cut out.
  • When batteries need changing, please do so promptly.
DIY and gardening noise

We would not usually consider this to be antisocial behaviour.

DIY around the house and jobs in the garden can cause a lot of noise but isn’t considered as antisocial behaviour.

If you are going to do noisy DIY work if possible, let your neighbours know what you are doing and roughly how long the work might take.

  • Try and plan the noisiest tasks in the middle of the day – if you must start early, do quieter jobs first.
  • Make sure your tools are well maintained and if possible use lower/quieter settings on power tools.

Our gardens should be a place to rest, relax and play. Remember that any noise you make in your garden will be heard by your neighbours.

  • Try and carry out noisy activities in the middle of the day for example mowing the lawn.
  • Where possible purchase quieter equipment and maintain your equipment properly.
  • If a child’s toy or game is extremely noisy, try and find quieter alternatives.
  • If you have a barbeque or party, tell your neighbours, invite them if appropriate, avoid playing amplified music out of doors and if anyone does complain, turn it down.  Either end your party or bring your guests indoors at a reasonable time.

 

Dogs barking or pet noise

If you have concerns about the welfare of a pet, you should contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 4999.

If you are being disturbed by a neighbour’s pet we suggest you have a friendly word with your neighbour because they might not be aware there is a problem.

You could try using our 'Dear Neighbour' card  or the Noise App above. 

If the behaviour is persistent, you do not feel safe approaching your neighbour, or you have tried and the situation has not improved, please complete our diary sheets with dates and times of the incidents, which can be found above.

If talking does not help you should contact the local Environmental Health Officer, which is run by your local authority.  Should the local authority take enforcement action, we can use this as evidence against the dog owner if appropriate.

 

Around the house noise advice

Household appliances

  • When buying new appliances, buy a quieter model – not all models have a noise rating, but look out for the “Quiet Mark”.  Where possible, position them to cause the least disturbance to your neighbour.
  • For washing machines, if possible, place on an even floor; do not overload, and run the machine at a time when it will least disturb neighbours. Remember the final spin is the noisiest bit.
  • Do the vacuuming at a reasonable time – especially if you live in a flat or terrace. Avoid early morning or late night cleaning sprees.
  • In the kitchen, avoid banging pans and cupboard doors and don’t use blenders on surfaces attached to party walls.
  • If a neighbour states that a particular device is noisy please be considerate with the timings when you use it.

Entering and leaving your home

  • Avoid slamming front doors or communal entrance doors, particularly late at night or early morning.
  • If expecting a visitor or a taxi, ask them to knock rather than sound the horn and try not to slam your door or car doors.
  • Please remember noise in communal hallways and stairwells travels, so avoid loud phone calls or conversations outside normal waking hours.

Alarms

Alarms are designed to make a noise – but misfiring alarms can be very disturbing and annoying.

  • Ensure you choose a reliable product and ensure it’s serviced regularly.
  • Car and intruder alarms should have a 20 minute cut out.
  • When batteries need changing, please do so promptly.
A man stands in the doorway, holding young son while women chats to him from the driveway

Dear Neighbour card

We suggest you have a friendly word with your neighbour because they may not be aware they are causing a disturbance. You could try using our 'Dear Neighbour' card.

If you still feel you are being disturbed, we suggest you contact the local Environmental Health Officer, which is run by your local authority. Should the council take enforcement action, we will use this as evidence if appropriate.

Download card
Senior man talking by smartphone and writing down important information
Recording daily noise concerns

Our Diary Sheets

You should also complete the diary sheets below if the behaviour is persistent during the day or during the night-time, and you do not feel safe approaching your neighbour, or you have tried and the situation has not improved. Diary sheets The diary sheets can be used as evidence by PA Housing or by the Environmental Health Noise teams

 

Download sheet
Elderly woman on smartphone - stock

Have you heard about the Noise App Version 2?

For noise complaints, you may wish to use the noise app which can be used to record, date and identify the location of a noise nuisance.

It is simple to use and free to download. Create an accurate record of noise nuisance and how it affects you by downloading the app.

Find out more
Young man looking thoughtful while sitting in session with his female therapist

Mediation

If the situation has not improved, mediation might help. It’s an informal, confidential and independent service available to help neighbours sort out their differences and reach an agreement.

They can help you and your neighbours understand each other’s point of view and reach a solution.

If you need support to deal with the ASB, you can phone the national Victim Support line on 0808 1689 111 or via their website.

Find out more