Noisy Neighbours

11th Jul 2018

Noise problems are likely to cause complaints in blocks of flats, DIY projects, late night music and barking dog are just a few common problems, here’s some tips on how to help you solve them:

GOVERNMENT ADVICE

Government advice recommends using a stepped approach for dealing with noise.

1.Keeping records:

• Keep records as soon as noise breaks out.
• Log date, time, type of noise and how it’s affected you.
• This information is essential and can be used as evidence if you decide to escalate your complaint.

2.Approach your neighbour:

• Wait until a suitable time.
• Stay calm, don’t lose your temper.
• Consider whether there’s a safety risk.

3.Mediation

• This is where a third party helps resolve the dispute.
• Aims to assist both parties identify needs, sort problems, explore solution and negotiate agreement.

4.Contact Authority

• The authority must investigate complaints.
• May suggest mediation (trained mediators who will offer to help you and your neighbour), warning letter (this may be effective, but it could backfire by alerting neighbours you have complained), abatement order (authorities to serve a notice to the offender, if they fail to comply they could then face court action).

COMMON PROBLEMS AND HOW TO SOLVE THEM

Late night parties:

• Local authorities have emergency response teams.
• These teams deal with urgent noise problems.
• Can issue warning, seize equipment and issue fixed penalties.

Barking Dogs:

• Can be classed as statutory nuisance and can be reported to your local authority.

Burglar and Car Alarms:

• Local authorities have the power to gain entry to premises to stop noise.
• Under the Noise and Statutory Nuisance Act (1993) local authorities can disconnect burglar and car alarms.

What your land lord or managing agent could do:

• Most leases contain covenants that say leaseholders should not cause nuisance and annoyance to their neighbours.
• Clauses can be difficult to enforce; any benefit of the doubt is given to the leaseholder.
• Some leases don’t require the land lord to enforce the covenants; if that’s the case then there is no obligation for them to take any action.

A FINAL THOUGHT

If noisy neighbours are making your life a complete misery, we recommend you take the government stepped approach. Don’t forget that many noise problems can be solved between you and your neighbour and in most cases your neighbour may be genuinely unaware of the problem they are causing, so serious action isn’t always needed. With Blocsphere as your property manager we will be happy to assist you and advise you on any issues you might have with other residents, our clients are our priority and we’re not happy until you are!