Noise
Every year Accent receive over 300 complaints about noise. In most cases our customers come to us before they speak to the person making the noise. The majority of people do this because they believe it is Accents responsibility to solve the problem or because they are nervous about speaking to their neighbour about it.
Some things you can do We will only take action in exceptional circumstances. It is much better, and more likely to be successful if you speak to the person making the noise yourself and try to resolve the problem between you. Where problems can’t be resolved you should contact the environmental health department of your local council. The council have powers to monitor noise levels and remove equipment. Some kinds of noise just have to be tolerated. Neighbours can’t be expected to live in silence and noise transference can be particularly obvious in flats. If the noise you can hear is related to everyday living like overhearing the TV occasionally or being aware of people going up and down stairs or opening and closing doors or using the vacuum cleaner or washing machine, there is unlikely to be anything that we or the council can do. The same is the case for ‘one off’ noise like an occasional party or DIY.
Get to know your neighbours, develop a relationship, if you have a problem let them know about the noise you can hear and why it is causing you a problem. Be prepared to listen and compromise. If this hasn’t worked and you are still suffering unreasonable interference as a result of the noise, you should keep a diary of what the noise is, when it occurs and how it affects you. You could then approach your neighbour again and explain that you want to resolve the problem with them.
Wear earplugs at night if noise is preventing you sleeping
If your neighbour is unresponsive when you have got this information together you can get in touch with your local council who will discuss with you whether there is anything they can do to help. We will only take action in exceptional circumstances. It is much better, and more likely to be successful if
you speak to the person making the noise yourself and try to resolve the problem between you. Where problems can’t be resolved you should contact the environmental health department of your local council. The council have powers to monitor noise levels and remove equipment.
House Alarms House alarms should automatically silence after 20 minutes, if you are affected by an alarm that doesn’t the council have the power to enter property to silence the alarm.
Noise App You can download a noise ‘app’ to your phone that will help you with instantly recording the noise and sharing it with the Environmental Health Department of your local authority.
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Be a considerate neighbour, some do’s and don’ts… 1
Do take care to reduce volumes between 11pm and 7am, when a lot of people need quiet to be able to sleep
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Do give your neighbours plenty of notice if you are going to be having a party
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Do avoid putting speakers on party walls (or on the floor in flats) – Place them on mats or cupboards
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Do keep all windows and doors closed when playing music Do realise that your pleasure should not lead to your neighbour’s distress
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Do remember that noise and vibration transmits easily through walls and floors.
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Do wear slippers or go barefoot if you live in a flat or maisonette, remember your floor may be someone else’s ceiling. Carpets and heavy curtains help to absorb sound
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Do ensure that another keyholder can be called to deal with house or car alarms
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Do carry out noisy DIY work during the day. Complete the work as quickly as possible and let your neighbours know when you will finish
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Don’t carry out noisy DIY work after 8pm on weekends, and if possible never on Sundays. Remember that drilling and hammering are particularly disturbing
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Don’t play music at a level that annoys your neighbours in their own space. Keep the bass level down
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Don’t play in car music really loud in residential areas
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Don’t rev car engines be co-operative if asked by a neighbour to reduce noise Don’t take a radio or hi-fi speakers outside – Use headphones Don’t have loud, late parties (Finish by 11pm)
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Don’t use domestic appliances late at night (e.g. vacuum cleaners or washing machines)
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Don’t leave dogs alone for long periods and try to minimise their barking
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Don’t allow children to play noisily. If you live in a flat don’t allow children to jump about on the floor in a way that disturbs neighbours below
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Don’t sound horns, slam doors or rev engines late at night
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Don’t slam doors at any time, including kitchen cupboards
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Don’t forget your neighbours have a right to peace and quiet as much as you do
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When Accent will get involved We have to prioritise the kind of neighbour complaints that we will get involved in. We get involved if:
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The noise is persistent unreasonable and is interfering with the quality of life of those who are subjected to it.
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The noise is deliberate, is over and above usual noise associated with daily living and intended to cause distress.
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The person experiencing a problem has special needs and is particularly vulnerable and as a result unable to advocate on their own behalf.
If you are experiencing an issue with noise, contact us on 0345 678 0555
Stay in touch T: 0345 678 0555 E: customerservices@accentgroup.org @accenthousing Office addresses and opening times are available on our website
www.accentgroup.org