Domestic noise complaints

You can report a noise problem to us if the noise is having a significant impact on you and your family.

Before you report a noise problem to us, you should try to speak to the person responsible for the noise.

If talking with them does not resolve the problem, or you do not feel like you can approach them, you could write a letter. We have a letter template that you can use to do this.

If sending a letter does not sort the issue or you cannot talk to the person, we may be able to help.

For a noise to be classed as a statutory nuisance, it would need to be unreasonable and substantial and not just an annoyance. It must be:

• significant enough to disturb you in your home and interfere with everyday life
• caused by some unreasonable or unusual act or omission or behaviour

Noise we can deal with

We can investigate noise from:

• noisy neighbours, such as loud music, shouting or DIY at night
• burglar and car alarms
• animals, such as barking dogs or crowing cockerels

Noise we cannot deal with

We cannot investigate:

• if you do not know where the noise is coming from
• everyday household noise, such as footsteps, doors closing, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, children playing, babies crying or talking
• traffic, aircraft or railway noise
• noise from outdoor sports
• noise in the street, such as vehicles left running, car stereos, shouting or car horns

Our noise nuisance operational protocol has more information.

Report a domestic noise nuisance

To report a noise problem you will need:

• your name, address and contact details
• what the noise is and where you think it is coming from
• how long the noise lasts for
• how often the noise happens
• the time the noise usually happens
• how the noise is affecting you and your family

Take your own action through the courts

If all else fails, you can take legal action.