Dealing with a noisy neighbour can be frustrating. Whether it’s loud music late at night, a dog barking, or DIY projects that seem to go on forever, excessive noise can make it difficult to enjoy your home.
So, what counts as unreasonable noise? And more importantly, what can you do about it?
What Counts as Unreasonable Noise from a Neighbour?
Unreasonable noise is anything that goes beyond what most people would consider normal and starts to disrupt everyday life.
It could be loud music blasting at all hours, a dog that won’t stop barking, or DIY projects that seem to go on forever.
This can be considered unreasonable especially early in the morning or late at night when people are trying to relax.
However, it’s not just about the volume, the duration and frequency of the noises also come into consideration.
A bit of noise now and then is expected, but when it becomes constant or excessive, that’s when it becomes unreasonable.
It’s all about balance: being considerate of others and keeping noise levels reasonable so everyone can enjoy their home.
Advice from BNS’s Head of Compliance
Alex Siegle, Head of Compliance at BNS, shares expert advice on the best ways to handle noisy neighbours, and how your managing agent can help:
“Managing agents, such as BNS, can try to help enforce the terms of the lease.
“This would usually start with your managing agent writing strongly worded letters, reminding the resident in question that there are clauses in the lease that require them to behave in a certain way in relation to noise disturbance.
“Most leases contain clauses to help ensure that leaseholders do not do anything that would cause disruption, irritation or general loss of amenity to a neighbour.
“These clauses usually prohibit unreasonable or excessive noise between 11pm and 7am.
“However, it is important to note that most leases also have clauses in them that dictate that if you want your landlord, management company or managing agent to take action, and this action attracts a cost, you need to be prepared to pay for these costs.
“Costs could include solicitors’ fees or even going to court and can range into hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
“What BNS would advise is to engage with your local council, as they will take action under environmental health law provided that there is a body of evidence to refer to.
“So, if you haven’t already started keeping a record, start taking a noise diary and this will help support your council in acting.”
How to Deal With Noisy Neighbours
Noisy neighbours can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to try and resolve the issue before it escalates.
The Property Institute (TPI) outlines a stepped approach for dealing with noise problems:
“Government advice recommends using a stepped approach for dealing with noise problems:
- Keep records of the noise
- Start building a relationship with your neighbour causing the problem
- Try to have a quiet word with them about the problem
- Have a stronger word and explain the impact their noise is having on you (and your family)
- If things don’t improve, consider going to a mediation service
- If that doesn’t work, ask your local authority to take action
- If there’s nothing your local authority can do, speak to an abatement society
- As a final resort, take legal action yourself.”
In most cases, a simple chat can make a big difference – sometimes people don’t even realise they’re being disruptive. But if that doesn’t work, keeping a record of the noise and following the steps above can help you take things further if needed.
What is a Noise Diary, and How do I Keep One?
A noise diary is simply a log where you note down every time you experience excessive noise.
Write down the date, time, what kind of noise it was, how long it lasted, and how it affected you.
This record will be useful if you need to escalate the issue to your managing agent or local council.
What Time Can Neighbours Make Noise Until in the UK?
In the UK, night hours are generally considered to be between 11pm and 7am, meaning noise should be kept to a minimum during this time.
However, there are no strict legal limits on how loud noise can be – what matters is whether it’s causing a disturbance.
Ultimately, the key to handling noisy neighbours is to approach the situation calmly and methodically – most noise disputes can be resolved without things getting out of hand.
And if you ever find yourself on the other side of the situation, it’s always good to be mindful of how your noise might be affecting those around you.
