Noisy Neighbours

Do you have noisy neighbours who disturb you? Although hearing some noise such as from TVs or children playing is entirely normal, noisy neighbours can become a problem. This leaflet looks at what can be done, whether you are a tenant or you own your home.

Getting help to stop noise

A certain level of background noise is acceptable, so whether something can be done will depend on each individual situation. To be able to do something the noise has to be so loud that you can't use your home in the normal way. This might be the case if you are woken up by the noise or can't hear your own TV above the noise. Other factors also have to be considered, such as:

• the time of day or night the noise happens
• how often it happens
• how long it goes on for
• how it affects people

Who can help?

In many cases the council has powers to deal with noise problems. You may also be able to take court action yourself.

The council will usually send someone round to check out the noise levels but it can be difficult for them to take action, for example, if they don't hear the noise themselves. Some councils have officers who work in the evenings so they can monitor the noise as it occurs. Check with them to see if there is an emergency number you can call.

Taking action

• The first step is negotiation. Talk to the person concerned, pointing out the problem and try to reach a compromise. It is best to do this before the problem gets too serious. Some areas have a mediation service that may help. Mediation UK (Tel 0117 904 6661) can give you details of local mediation services.
• If your neighbours are tenants it may be worth talking to their landlord. They may be breaking the terms of their tenancy by making excessive noise.

• If the problem continues keep a diary of the noise, noting how long it lasts, how loud it is (eg did it wake the children?), whether anyone else heard it etc. Make notes as soon as you can after the incident.
• Contact your council's Environmental Health Department. An environmental health officer, or even a designated noise officer, will discuss the problem and advise you. They may make enquiries and visit you.
• If the problem is sufficiently serious the council officer will serve a legal notice on your neighbours to stop the noise (you should still keep up the diary in case of further problems). If this doesn't work the council may take the case to the magistrates' court, which can fine your neighbours. You may be asked to provide a statement and even appear as a witness in court.

If you decide to go to court yourself you will need to get advice from a housing adviser or solicitor.

Further information

This leaflet is only a very basic introduction to dealing with problems caused by noisy neighbours. For further information go to www.shelternet.org.uk. You can also contact Shelterline on 0808 800 4444 (24 hour freephone).

Published August 2002.

This document was provided by Shelter. www.shelternet.org.uk