Noise nuisance

We understand that noise can disrupt your home and community. While some noise is a normal part of daily life, excessive or persistent noise can be frustrating. We are committed to taking action when it becomes a serious issue for you or others.

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What is noise nuisance? Quiet hours Reporting noise nuisance What we can do FAQs
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What is noise nuisance?

We will investigate the following types of noise when they are frequent, persistent, and have a major impact on you or the wider community. 

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Noise from pets
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Loud parties and gatherings
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Regular banging and shouting
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Loud music or TV
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DIY or construction during quiet hours

What is not classed as noise nuisance?

We recognise that some noise is a normal, everyday part of daily life. As a general rule we will not usually take action on these types of issues.

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A one-off party
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A minor dispute between neighbours
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Babies crying
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Children playing
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Occasional noise from pets
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Temporary building or DIY
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What are quiet hours?

Noise at unreasonable times of the day, such as loud music or DIY, can be especially disruptive.

Quiet hours are from 11pm – 7am Monday to Saturday, and 10pm – 9am on Sundays. 

We will investigate complaints about excessive or persistent noise during these times and take action where necessary.

This includes noise that wouldn’t be classed as noise nuisance during other hours of the day, such as domestic chores or construction (except where emergency repairs are being carried out.). 

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Neighbourhood disputes

If your neighbour is noisy, or you don’t see eye-to-eye about an issue, the first step is to talk to them and try to resolve the issue peacefully. Your neighbour may not even realise they are causing you problems. Only do this if you feel safe and comfortable to do so.

How to report noise nuisance?

There are multiple agencies involved in tackling noise nuisance. We all have different powers and responsibilities so working together is the best way to find a solution.

If you believe the noise might be due to domestic violence or abuse, for instance you can hear shouting, screaming or banging, please call the police on 999.

Your local council also has a duty to investigate noise levels that could be harmful to your health. You can report noise nuisance to your local council here. 

You can report noise nuisance to us using our reporting tool online. Simply sign in or sign up and go to ‘My neighbourhood’ to use the tool. Or call us on 0300 555 6666 to report it by phone.

Report noise nuisance online

Antisocial behaviour

Antisocial behaviour (ASB) is when someone’s activity or behaviour makes you feel harassed, frightened or distressed. For it to be considered as ASB the activity needs to be frequent or persistent and have a major impact on you or the wider community.

For more information on ASB, visit our dedicated webpage.

Antisocial behaviour
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What we can do

We will:

  • Respond within five working days, or sooner for more serious incidents
  • Ask for the details and evidence to make sure that we fully understand the issue. We may ask you to support us to capture evidence or report incidents to the police and give us the reference number
  • Agree an action plan with you and tell you what we can do and what you can do to help to resolve things
  • Organise mediation to help you solve problems with your neighbours.
  • Keep you informed of any progress and ask you to keep in touch with us until the matter is resolved.

FAQs

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What is noise nuisance?
We recognise that some noise is a normal, everyday part of daily life.  We will investigate the following types of noise when they are frequent, persistent, and have a major impact on you or the wider community:
  • Noise from pets
  • Regular banging or shouting
  • Loud parties or gatherings
  • Loud music or TV
  • DIY or construction during quiet hours.
 
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What are quiet hours?
Quiet hours are from 11pm – 7am Monday to Saturday, and 10pm – 9am on Sundays.  We will investigate complaints about excessive or persistent noise during these times and take action where necessary to support you. This includes noise that wouldn’t be classed as noise nuisance during other hours of the day, such as domestic chores or construction (except where emergency repairs are being carried out.).
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How do I report noise nuisance?
If you believe the noise might be due to domestic violence or abuse, for instance you can hear shouting, screaming or banging, please call the police on 999. Your local council also has a duty to investigate noise levels that could be harmful to your health. You can report noise nuisance to your local council here.  You can report noise nuisance to us using our reporting tool online. Simply sign in or sign up and go to ‘My neighbourhood’ to use the tool. Or call us on 0300 555 6666 to report it by phone.
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What can I do about noisy neighbours?
Noise nuisance is a common complaint but not normally considered antisocial behaviour unless it is excessive and regular. Some noise is part of everyday life, especially if you live in a block of flats. This includes things like car horns, doors slamming and children playing.  The first step is to have a chat with your neighbour as they may not realise that their noise is affecting you. If this does not resolve the issue please let us know as there are steps we can take. Your council also has a duty to investigate noise levels that could be harmful to health. If you believe this to be the case you should ring your council’s environmental health team. If you believe the noise might be due to a domestic incident, for instance you can hear shouting, screaming or banging, you should call the police on 999.
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How does whg deal with noise nuisance?
We will respond to all reports of noise nuisance from customers within five working days. We work with our partners, including the police and local council, to take proportionate action against those causing noise nuisance where the issues are evidenced. We will agree an action plan with you and discuss how you can help resolve things. We will organise mediation to help solve problems with your neighbours. We will always keep you updated on any progress and work with you and your neighbour until the matter is resolved.