Noise from neighbours
Skip to:
Noise from people
Some noise is unavoidable when living near other people, such as:
- washing machines
- vacuum cleaners
- everyday living noises, for example children and footsteps
Everyday living noise from neighbouring homes is not anti social behaviour or a formal noise nuisance.
If the noise from neighbours is amplified, persistent, unreasonably loud and carried out during unsociable hours, then we can investigate.
Most noise problems can be worked out informally between neighbours. If you can, have a friendly face to face conversation and explain the problem.
If you feel uncomfortable talking to your neighbour or if the noise is excessively loud above the background noise, report it to us.
To reduce noise from neighbours, there is free advice from Building Research Establishment to improve the sound insulation in your home.
Noise from parties
One off parties to celebrate birthdays, weddings and other special occasions might not formally be a nuisance.
If there is regular, loud, amplified noise from your neighbours, especially during unsociable hours, then we can investigate.
Having a party or doing noisy work
Consider your neighbours if you are planning a noisy party or doing noisy DIY. Speak to them first, let them know what your plans are.
Before you have a party
You should:
- tell your neighbours in advance, including those who back onto your property and those living over the road
- let your neighbours know what time you'll finish so they can anticipate an end time
- go outside occasionally, to check the noise level and if it’s too loud then turn the volume down
- position speakers away from the wall between you and your neighbour, and avoid standing them on the floor if people are living below you
- keep windows and doors closed whenever possible
- don't let your party flow into the balcony, communal areas or onto the street
- ask your guests to leave quietly, not to put the music on in their car too loud and slam their car doors loudly
Before you start your DIY
Give advance warning of any work being carried out to your neighbours so they can be prepared.
When undertaking DIY, we recommend you give advance warning to your neighbours of any work being carried out, so they can be prepared.
We recommend that noisy DIY is not carried out after 9pm.
How we can help
You can log into your Barnet account to report a noise nuisance or continue to the form without registering.
It will assist us to deal with your case quicker if you are able to provide completed diary sheets recording when you have been disturbed by the noise nuisance. Please download diary sheets and attach them to your online form.