Noise and Nuisance
Bothered by noise?
Contents
- About this booklet
- Approaching your neighbour
- Complaining to your local authority
- Complaining to a magistrates' court
- Useful contacts
2. Approaching your neighbour
Noise is normally thought of as unwanted sound. It could be too loud or just happen at the wrong time or without warning.
If you are concerned about noise coming from a neighbour’s home, a local business, vehicles or equipment in the street, often the best way to deal with the problem is to go to the source.
Think about talking to the person or company responsible for the noise and explaining the problem. You may find that they don’t know they are disturbing you. Remember, we may all be guilty of making noise at some time without knowing it.
Talking to your neighbour
It is important to approach your neighbour as soon as possible before the problem gets out of control. Many problems can be dealt with in a friendly way, without the need for further action.
You may be nervous about approaching your neighbour, but remember that they may not know that they are the source of a problem. Often they will be embarrassed about the nuisance they have been causing and will be more considerate in future.
Before you approach your neighbour, plan what you are going to say. Keep calm and be pleasant then they will be more likely to respond positively to your complaint.
Never approach your neighbour when the noise is actually happening. You are more likely to be angry and have an argument with them.
If it’s late at night and your neighbour is playing music loudly or having a party, they may have been drinking alcohol. If this is the case, they are less likely to understand your point of view and may think you are just trying to spoil their fun.
Be careful
Before you approach your neighbour, it is important to think about the risk to your personal safety and property. If you feel frightened or intimidated by your neighbour and you are worried that they may be aggressive, approaching them to complain may not be the best option for you.
If this is the case, check whether your neighbours rent the property. You could talk to their landlord. When people agree to rent, they normally have to agree not to cause nuisance to neighbours; a local authority or housing association should take action if a nuisance is being caused.
Use a go-between
If the direct approach does not work, you could use a go-between or mediator.
Someone like this can listen to the views of both sides and can help you reach an agreement.
To find out about mediators in your area call:
- Mediation UK on 0117 904 6661
Most neighbour mediation is free and is done by specially trained volunteers.
Taking formal action
When talking to your neighbour is not possible or doesn't work, you can deal with noise problems by taking formal action, such as:
- complaining to your local authority
- complaining to a magistrates' court
Page last modified: 12 July 2006
Page published: 5 September 2001