Living in a peaceful neighbourhood is a dream come true for most of us, but what happens when our neighbours make too much noise? It can be very frustrating and stressful, especially if the noise is constant and disrupts our daily lives.
In this article, we will discuss what to do if your neighbour makes too much noise and how to solve the problem.
Firstly, it’s essential to understand what constitutes noise nuisance. Noise nuisance is any noise that causes a substantial interference with the enjoyment of your property. It can include loud music, shouting, barking dogs, machinery noise, and even artificial light. However, it’s essential to note that not all noise is a nuisance, and some level of noise is acceptable.
If you’re experiencing noise issues from your neighbour, the first step is to talk to them.
It’s possible that they are unaware that their noise is causing a disturbance. Try to approach them politely and explain the situation. They may be willing to adjust their behaviour and reduce the noise.
However, if talking to your neighbour does not resolve the issue, you can take further action. The local authority is responsible for dealing with noise complaints. You can contact your local council or environmental health department to make a noise complaint. They will investigate the complaint and decide if the noise constitutes a statutory nuisance.
A statutory nuisance is a noise that substantially interferes with the use and enjoyment of your property. If the local authority decides that the noise is a statutory nuisance, they can issue a noise abatement notice to your neighbour. The notice will specify the steps your neighbour must take to reduce the noise and the time frame within which they must do it.
If your neighbour does not comply with the noise abatement notice, they can be fined. In extreme cases, the local authority may take legal action to stop the noise.
Another option is to use the community trigger.
The community trigger is a process that allows residents to request a review of their complaint if they feel that their complaint has not been dealt with adequately. If you’ve made a noise complaint, and nothing has been done, you can use the community trigger to escalate the complaint.
You can also involve your neighbour’s landlord if they are renting the property. The landlord has a responsibility to ensure that their tenants do not engage in anti-social behaviour, including noise nuisance. You can contact the landlord and inform them of the problem. They may take steps to resolve the issue with their tenant.
It’s worth noting that noise complaints between 11 pm and 7 am are taken more seriously. This is because these are the hours when most people sleep, and noise can have a more significant impact on their well-being.
In conclusion, dealing with noisy neighbours can be frustrating and stressful. However, there are steps you can take to resolve the issue. Start by talking to your neighbour and explaining how their noise is affecting you. If this does not work, you can contact your local council or environmental health department to make a noise complaint. You can also use the community trigger or involve your neighbour’s landlord if they are renting the property. Remember, excessive noise is a nuisance, and you have a right to live in peace and quiet.
It’s also important to be aware of the legal implications of noise nuisance. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 gives local authorities the power to deal with noise complaints. They can issue a noise abatement notice if they find that the noise is causing a statutory nuisance. Failure to comply with a noise abatement notice can result in fines and legal action.
If you’re experiencing noise nuisance, it’s crucial to keep a record of the noise. This can be useful evidence if you need to make a noise complaint. You can keep a diary of when the noise occurs, how long it lasts, and how it affects you. You can also record the noise using a sound meter app on your phone or a dedicated sound level meter.
It’s worth noting that some noise is unavoidable, especially if you live in a busy urban area. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the impact of noise on your life. You can install double-glazed windows or use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones. You can also try to soundproof your home by using carpets, curtains, or sound-absorbing panels.
In some cases, noise nuisance can be a symptom of a more significant problem, such as anti-social behaviour or domestic abuse. If you’re experiencing noise nuisance and you’re concerned about your safety, you can contact the police. They can investigate and take appropriate action if necessary.
In conclusion, noise nuisance can be a significant source of stress and frustration for many people. However, there are steps you can take to resolve the issue. Start by talking to your neighbour and keeping a record of the noise. If the problem persists, you can contact your local council or environmental health department to make a noise complaint. You can also use the community trigger or involve your neighbour’s landlord if they are renting the property. Remember, excessive noise is a nuisance, and you have a right to live in peace and quiet.
The post What to do if your neighbour makes too much noise appeared first on Addicted to Property.