Noise nuisance

Examples of noise-related nuisance include: 

• Frequent noise nuisance caused by loud music, shouting or disturbance from parties 
• Constant dog barking. 

Examples of what isn't considered noise-related anti-social behaviour, and would be considered under our Scheme and Community Management Policy include: 

• General household or living noise (babies crying, people talking and walking in their homes, closing doors and windows, vacuuming, and using white goods at reasonable times, working from home in a computer-based role)
• Carrying out DIY at reasonable times
• Isolated incidents of noise, loud music
• Isolated incidents of loud shouting and arguing
• Reasonable dog barking and cats defecating
• Mowing of lawn or other garden maintenance at reasonable times
• Children playing (as long as the ‘playing’ does not include behaviour that could be reasonably considered as anti-social behaviour)
• Motorbike / car engines starting / running.

Try having a friendly word with your neighbour or the person(s) involved first. 

Explain the problem calmly and politely. They might not realise they’re disturbing you. 

If the noise continues, and we class it as anti-social behaviour, or you don’t feel comfortable speaking to your neighbour, please contact your housing officer.

As part of our investigation into the reported issue, we may ask you to record nuisance noise over a period of time. 

You can record the noise by: 

• completing diary sheets
• contacting your Environmental Health Team through your local council, or 
• using The Noise App. 

If you hear shouting, banging or other sounds that suggest someone is in distress, please report it to the police.  

The Noise App is free.

It can be used to record noise nuisance that you're experiencing and may be used as part of evidence gathering. 

If you need any help with downloading or using the app, please get in touch.

Download on Apple

Download on Google Play