Noise and loud music

Examples of noise-related ASB may include:

• Frequent noise nuisance caused by loud music, shouting or disturbance from parties
• Constant dog barking

Examples of what isn't considered noise-related ASB include:

• Day to day noise at reasonable hours
• Children and young people playing

Try having a friendly word with your neighbour first.

Explain the problem calmly and politely. They might not realise they’re disturbing you.

If the noise continues, or you don’t feel comfortable speaking to your neighbour, please contact your housing officer at enquiries@midlandsrural.org.uk or on 0300 1234 009.

As part of our investigation into the reported issue, we may ask you to record nuisance noise over a number of weeks.

You can record the noise by:

• completing diary sheets, or
• contacting your Environmental Health Team through your local council, or
• using the Noise app.

The nuisance Noise app is free and is available on most smart phones.

It can be used to record noise nuisance that you are experiencing and may be used as part of evidence gathering.

We need alarms to make a noise - but only when they're needed! When they go off unnecessarily or for a long time it can be very disturbing.

• Choose a reliable product, ensure it's installed correctly and serviced regularly.
• Car and intruder alarms should have a 20 minute cut out.

DIY jobs, such as drilling and hammering, can create a lot of noise.

• Whenever possible, let your neighbours know that you'll be doing noisy work and try to work during normal waking hours.
• Carry out the noisiest tasks in the middle of the day – if you must start early, do quieter jobs first.

• Avoid slamming front doors or communal entrance doors, particularly late at night or early morning.
• If you're expecting a visitor/taxi, ask them to knock rather than sound the horn and try not to slam your door or car doors.

Remember...any noise you make in your garden will be heard by your neighbours.

• Try and carry out noisy activities, such as mowing the lawn, in the middle of the day.
• If you have a barbeque or party, tell your neighbours (invite them if appropriate), avoid amplified music out of doors and if anyone does complain, turn it down.  Either end your party or bring your guests indoors at a reasonable time.
• Be mindful that, while you are entitled to have guests, having repeated parties that cause noise disruption, environmental noise pollution or ASB could be a breach of your tenancy.

• When buying new appliances, buy a quieter model – not all models have a noise rating, but look out for the “Quiet Mark”.  Where possible, position them to cause the least disturbance to your neighbour.
• For washing machines, if possible, place on an even floor; do not overload and run the machine at a time when it will least disturb neighbours – remember the final spin is the noisiest bit.
• Do the vacuuming at a reasonable time – especially if you live in a flat or terrace, avoid early morning or late night cleaning sprees.
• In your kitchen, avoid banging pans and cupboard doors and don’t use blenders/grinders on surfaces attached to party walls.

Not everyone shares the same taste in music and may not enjoy the same as you.

• With amplified sound, keep the volume down, especially the bass which can be more annoying than higher frequencies. Don’t put speakers on or close to party walls, ceilings or floors.
• If you have a TV in your bedroom, keep it quiet at night – especially if your bedroom adjoins someone else’s.
• If you're playing an instrument, practice where and when it will have the least impact on neighbours.
• Where possible, use headphones.
• Be mindful of open windows