If a neighbour's noise causes you distress, you are not alone. Noise disturbance is the most common anti-social behavior reported to the police, local authorities, and housing associations.
The problem is that noise disturbances can be hard to define, which makes it difficult for authorities to identify where the problem lies.
For example, if you're sleeping and someone starts playing music loudly outside your home, you may consider this a noise disturbance. However, under the law it's not necessarily clear whether this would be considered an illegal act.
What noise that is classed as unreasonable is?
Unreasonable noise is any noise that is unwanted. In some cases, this can be a subjective matter. For example, if you live in an apartment building and there are other tenants who play music loudly and frequently, this could be considered unreasonable because you have asked them to stop but they do not. However, if they are playing music that is loud enough that it can be heard by others outside of your apartment building, then the noise would technically be considered reasonable.
Loud noise after 11pm and before 7am is considered unreasonable. This could include, but is not limited to: loud music, construction work, parties, or any other activity that disturbs neighbours. A good example of this would be construction sites where employees are working during the day and making noise with construction machinery like jackhammers or nail guns; these noises can often go beyond certain decibel levels that have been determined by experts to be too loud for nearby residents who live nearby these construction sites during working hours when workers are present inside their respective buildings
We've put together some tips on what you can do if you find yourself in this situation with a noisy neighbor.
#1 Keep track of times when the noise occurs most often. That way, if talking directly with your neighbor doesn't work, you'll have more evidence when it comes time to file an official complaint against them with your landlord or other authorities who can help resolve problems like this one.
#2 First, try to communicate with your neighbors and explain the situation as calmly as possible. If they're receptive and willing to work with you, great! But don't get your hopes up too high—it's possible that they just don't care.
#3 If your neighbor is unreceptive, or if the situation continues despite your best efforts at communication, it might be time to take things up another level by contacting local authorities. Your city government may be able to help mediate the situation for you and help ensure that noise levels are kept within legal limits. This will also give you an opportunity to see if there are any laws in place that could apply specifically to your situation (for example, if there is a law prohibiting loud noise after 10pm). You can also contact local aid organizations or police departments directly if you feel like your neighbor is violating any physical safety codes or harming other residents of the building (such as children who might be trying to sleep).
#4 You should also report your neighbor's behavior to local authorities if they continue to cause loud noises after repeated warnings from you.
#5 Finally, if none of these steps work and your neighbor continues to cause problems for yourself and other neighbors in your community, then it may be time to consider legal action.
What can the council do?
If the council decides that a neighbour's actions are causing a statutory noise nuisance, it can issue an abatement order. If someone ignores an abatement order, they can be fined up to £5,000.
Bluestone Properties
Bluestone Properties is committed to providing quality living spaces for our tenants. We are happy to assist you with any property management issues you may have with other tenants, as your safety and well-being is a priority for us!
