Prevention of noise nuisance

Noise from domestic activities can disturb your neighbours. Below is some advice on how to prevent noise nuisance.

When playing music, keep the volume down, especially at night or early morning.
Place speakers away from your neighbours and on insulating material to reduce transmission of sound.
If you are having a party, let your neighbours know, keep windows and doors closed, and if someone complains, turn it down.
When gaming be considerate, keep the volume down.
Avoid playing games in the same room where someone is watching TV or listening to the radio so noise doesn’t escalate.
When playing musical instruments: limit the duration, keep the volume down, close the windows and agree times to practice that will cause the least disturbance. Consider using electronic instruments with headphones.

Make sure washing machines, fridges and dishwashers are away from party walls and on a carpet or mat to reduce vibration, especially if you live in a flat.
Use noisy appliances at sensible times, during normal working hours. Vacuuming in the early hours, when everything else is quiet is likely to disturb your neighbours.
When buying a new appliance, consider the low noise option. Some products such as vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers, washing machines etc. have a noise rating.

If pets are well cared for and happy, they shouldn’t make too much noise.

Dogs bark if lonely, bored or unhappy. If you must leave them, get a neighbour to look after them or visit.
Cats make noise too – howling and fighting at night. If your cat is annoying the neighbours, keep it inside.
Many pets have the potential to cause noise. Ensure they are kept healthy and happy. Locate cages/kennels etc. where they are least likely to disturb your neighbours and you.

Be considerate. Do noisy jobs when it will cause least disturbance to neighbours. Avoid working when they are trying to sleep or enjoy a quiet night in.
If you are doing something really noisy for example, sanding or drilling, let your neighbours know beforehand and they are far less likely to complain.
If you are employing builders, agree working times with them that will not annoy the neighbours or you.

Avoid slamming doors and stamping up and down stairs, especially if you live in a flat or terraced house.
When considering options for flooring, be considerate. Carpet absorbs sound. Many leases prohibit stripped floors and hard surfaces for good reason.
If you have stripped or laminate flooring, put down rugs and take off shoes.
If installing laminated flooring, use sound insulating underlay and ensure there is an expansion gap between the floor and the wall.
Sounds travel through walls so be aware of what’s next door. If you can, avoid having noisy rooms like the kitchen or living room adjacent to quiet spaces like the bedroom or study.

Noise and nuisance