Understanding Noise Disturbance in Shared Blocks

As part of Noise Action Week (21-25 May 2007), Mary-Anne Bowring, creator of Leaseholdersupport.co.uk, explains how to handle noisy neighbours in a shared block.

While some noise is normal, it becomes a problem when it disrupts your daily life—for example:

• Being woken up by noise at night.
• Struggling to hear your own TV over the disturbance.

The action you can take depends on several factors:
✔ Type of noise (e.g., music, shouting, pets).
✔ Time of day or night it occurs.
✔ Frequency and duration of the noise.
✔ How it affects your ability to use your home.
✔ Sound insulation in your building (older homes may have less).

Legal Protections Against Noise Nuisance

 If you are suffering from noise pollution, there are rules and procedures that may help, including:

• The lease agreement: Most leases contain covenants (rules) restricting noise levels.
• Estate rules: Management companies often impose specific noise policies.
• Company constitution: If your building has a management company, rules may be in its Memorandum & Articles of Association.
• Common law: The law of nuisance can be used to challenge persistent noise issues.

Contacting Local Authorities for Assistance

Every local authority has a department dedicated to noise and nuisance issues, usually called the Environment Department.

They can:

• Investigate complaints.
• Issue formal notices to the person making the noise.
• Take enforcement action if necessary.

However, local authorities are often busy, so patience is required while they process your complaint.

Negotiating with Your Noisy Neighbour

The first step in dealing with noise is negotiation. If possible, speak to your neighbour directly and:

• Explain how the noise affects you.
• Try to find a compromise that works for both parties.
• Act early before tensions escalate.

In some areas, mediation services can help resolve disputes peacefully.

Getting Your Managing Agent Involved

If your neighbours are co-tenants and talking to them doesn’t work, your managing agent or landlord may be able to help.

• Noisy tenants could be breaching their tenancy agreement.
• Managing agents can issue warnings or take action.
• In extreme cases, continued noise violations could lead to eviction.

Taking Collective Action with Other Residents

If multiple residents are affected by the noise:
✔ Speak to others in your block—you may not be the only one struggling.
✔ Raise a collective complaint—a united front carries more weight.
✔ Engage with the managing agent or landlord as a group.

Persistent noise problems can often be solved faster when multiple residents report them together.