Solutions for Noisy Neighbours

Having a noisy neighbour can be a really upsetting experience. At one end of the scale, noisy neighbours can prevent you enjoying simple things in your home - listening to music, reading a magazine or just watching a DVD can become difficult. At the other end of the scale, noisy neighbours can stop you sleeping, preventing you getting a good night's rest which can affect other areas of your life. Some noisy neighbours behave not just inconsiderately, but also antisocially - with bullying, threats and intimidation.

Being subject to excessive unwanted noise from external sources can be damaging to your psychological health. Relaxing is made difficult; and being able to unwind can become impossible as you become irritable, on edge and stressed out. No one should have to experience this kind of thing in their own home.

The kind of noise which can have these effects comes in many forms - hifi systems being played too loud, TVs on high, domestic arguments, do-it-yourself noise, furniture scraping on floors, doors being slammed, ball games being played, pet noises, and even just people stomping heavily as they walk around their property. Although many of these things may seem innocuous, and we often prevent ourselves from taking action for that very reason, the fact is that if the noise is disturbing, high volume and ongoing, it can be considered a nuisance and something should be done about it.

What can be done?

Creating lots of noise is not an immediate offence in the United Kingdom, although depending on certain factors, it can become that way. When you are under stress from noisy neighbours, it may seem desirable to get the authorities involved - but before doing so, it is worth considering a less drastic course of action to try to preserve relations with your neighbours. There are things that can be done to try to get the calm you should have in your home before escalating the situation to involve the authorities.

The Personal Touch

Asking your neighbour initially is a good method of solving the problem. It seems obvious, but the personal touch will often endear your neighbour and make them realise the error of their actions. If you plan to approach your noisy neighbour, it is important to think about what you are saying so as not to sound too defensive or to seem like you are attacking them. Always be polite - you may find that they had no idea they were causing a nuisance! If you are friendly and affable, you will likely find that they will stop making the noise and relations will remain cordial. This is important to maintaining your community's cohesion, and to reducing tension between neighbours.

What if you don't know the neighbour?

Without becoming classist, you may live in an area where neighbours who you don't know are perfectly approachable. But more often than not, nuisance noise from neighbours occurs in areas where people tend not to have much community relations, and where the likelihood of antisocial behaviour is muck greater. In the case of such neighbours, it is worth posting a letter through their door, without your name or address, but again, at this stage the letter should follow the guidelines set out above. Be friendly and polite, even though you are being anonymous. This is a good method to use if you live in an apartment block with lots of properties - the offending neighbour will have no idea who sent the letter.

Safety First

Lots of people live in a state of tension with their neighbours, and perhaps even fear. If you feel there is a possibility that your neighbours could retaliate to any complain you make, then do not approach them. As mentioned above, nuisance noise often occurs in less well-off areas, and statistically speaking, antisocial behaviour is likewise much more likely. If you are worried about the type of people your neighbours are, it is better not to make contact and to allow the authorities to deal with the situation. It is their duty, after all - and you are under no duty to put yourself at risk to help the community. Remember if you find yourself subject to threats, intimidation or bullying, you should contact your local police station - and always dial 999/911 if you feel genuinely alarmed or scared about your neighbour's behaviour.

Keep Records

If you do decide to involve your local authority, you should create a record of evidence before you contact them. This way they can deal with your complaint more efficiently since they have proof of the disturbance over a period of time. Note down the type of disturbance, the time it happened and how long it went on for.

Solutions to nuisance neighbours

Being informed is the best way to tackle noisy neighbours.

- make personal contact with your noisy neighbour, if you feel comfortable doing so. Be polite and friendly - remember, they might have no idea they were disturbing you!

- if you do not know them or you would prefer to remain anonymous, post a letter though their door. Again, be polite and friendly.

- if you plan to contact your local authority, first collect some evidence. Note down the time, duration and type of nuisance your neighbours are creating. This will allow the authorities to deal with your complaint quicker.

- STAY SAFE. If you are worried, do no approach your nuisance neighbours. If you think they are likely to become (more) antisocial, then call the police before putting yourself at risk.