Noise Complaints

We would not usually consider this to be antisocial behaviour.

DIY around the house and in the garden jobs can cause a lot of noise but isn’t considered as antisocial behaviour, DIY jobs such as drilling, putting furniture and hammering can create a lot of noise.

• 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 but you will try undertaking noisy work and try to work during normal waking hours
• 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.

We want everyone to enjoy living in their home and ask all residents to be both considerate and tolerant. 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.

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 Neighbourhood' 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.