Dealing with noisy neighbours.
As a first
step, a person should talk to the neighbour
making the noise and ask her/him to reduce
the noise. If the noise is not reduced and
the neighbour is a tenant, it may be worth
contacting the neighbour's landlord. If the
problem persists it is useful to keep a
record/diary of the disturbances which can
be used as evidence in any future action.
Local authorities have extensive powers
to deal with noise nuisances. A person can
ask the Environmental Health Officer (EHO)
to investigate the noise. They are able to
measure the level of noise and to give an
expert opinion on how it rates as a noise
nuisance. Local authorities have powers to
seize noise-making equipment.
If the EHO considers there is a noise
nuisance and has been unable to resolve the
matter by discussion, the authority can then
serve a notice on the person causing the
noise, or on the owner or occupier of the
property. If the person causing the noise
does not comply with the notice, the local
authority can prosecute her/him. The local
authority can also apply for an injunction.
Local authority tenants who suffer noise
nuisance can contact the Local Government
Ombudsman, who may be able to recommend
compensation if the local authority has
failed in one of its duties. Tenants of
housing associations and other registered
social landlords (and of some private
landlords) can contact the Independent
Housing Ombudsman.