Dealing with noise
Find out what type of noise is considered reasonable, when to complain and how we can help.
Living in a community setting means sharing spaces and sounds. Everyday activities such as cooking, cleaning, socialising, or children playing are all part of normal life and may result in varying levels of noise. While some sounds may be more noticeable than others, they don't always amount to antisocial behaviour (ASB). This guidance is designed to help you understand what constitutes reasonable noise, promote tolerance, and encourage positive neighbourly relations.
- Read our Good Neighbours' Guide
When to raise a noise complaint
We'll only investigate if the noise is persistent (there may be exceptions based on individual circumstances).
Some things to consider before raising a noise complaint with us:
- Could you discuss the problem calmly with the noise-maker? They may not realise how loud they’re being. If you’re not confident enough to approach them face-to-face, write a polite note explaining and post it through their door. If you both feel comfortable, you could invite the noise-maker into your home so that they can hear the noise for themselves.
- Is the noise a one-off incident? How long has the noise been going on for and is it taking place during unsociable hours?
- Is the noise unreasonable, considering we all live close by each other?
- Could you try changing things in your home to reduce the impact. This might include turning on your TV, using ear plugs, going for a short walk outside or changing the layout of your room.
- Could you ask the noise-maker to use any preventative measures (eg, rugs, carpets, anti-vibration mats)?
- Are you vulnerable in any way or is the noise-maker vulnerable in any way?
- Is the noise being done deliberately to cause nuisance? If so, this can be considered ASB and you can report this through My Sage Home.
What is noise nuisance?
Sources could include:
- Loud noise/music
- Noisy neighbours arguing/shouting
- Dog/s barking
For these behaviours to be considered antisocial, the noise must be persistent and unreasonable.
Mediation
If the noise issue continues you could try mediation to help you and your neighbour resolve your differences and reach an amicable agreement. Please contact us and we'll refer you.
| If you don't feel safe approaching your neighbour to talk about the noise, or you've tried but the situation hasn't improved, please go to My Sage Home or you can complete this form and we'll give you access to an ASB app. You'll then be able to submit evidence so that we can follow up. If you have concerns about the welfare of your neighbours (adult and/or children), you should get in touch with your local social services safeguarding team and/or the police. |
Noise sources which are not considered antisocial
- Footsteps. No house or flat is totally soundproof and it's normal to hear some noise from the people who live around us. Therefore, this would not be considered antisocial behaviour as it's not unreasonable.
- General living sounds. These include noises such as vacuuming, walking around, doors opening/closing, conversations etc. This is not unreasonable so we would not consider this as antisocial behaviour .
- Babies crying. We would not consider this noise to be antisocial behaviour. If you have concerns about the welfare of a child, please contact your local social services safeguarding team or the police.
- Children playing. Playing is essential for children's health, wellbeing, and development. We understand that some types of behaviour can be annoying but this is not antisocial behaviour.
Get in touch
If you still want to raise a noise complaint you can do so through My Sage Home, our online service, or you can complete this form. We’ll give you a step-by-step guide on how to submit evidence using an ASB app. Once you’ve sent this to us, we’ll start investigating. We’ll make sure any action we take is fair to everyone.
Will my report be confidential?
Find out how we treat your personal data here.