Domestic noise complaints
Noise nuisance is any regular noise that stops someone from enjoying their home. It's unreasonable to expect total quiet at all times in your home, but we can investigate anti-social noises or noises that occur at unreasonable hours (between 11pm and 7am).
We can investigate noises like:
- music played loudly and at unreasonable hours in domestic properties
- DIY noise at inappropriate times, continual unnecessary improvements, or when it could be carried out in a quieter manner
- a dog barking for long periods at anti-social times
- anti-social noises, like screaming and shouting
- a local pub or club that plays loud amplified music (for example, live bands, discos or karaoke)
What noise problems can't we deal with?
We cannot investigate every day or household noises, like:
- footsteps
- washing machines
- doors closing
- vacuum cleaners
- talking
- babies crying or children playing
- traffic noises from vehicles on the road
We also can't help if a noise complaint is:
- part of a larger conflict between neighbours who generally do not get on
- if you are more sensitive to noise than the average person
- if the problem has long periods between occurrences
What you can do
It is a good idea to talk to the person making the noise before you reach out to the council. People often don't realise that they are being disruptive so having a conversation can sometimes solve the issue.
If the problem continues, you should gather evidence and make a complaint to us. Find out how you can make a complaint and our process for handling them.
