Nuisance

What action can I take against nuisance from a neighbour?

Very often people do not realise they are disturbing you. First, you should try to sort out the matter yourself. See What to Do below. If the situation does not improve, you should contact us. Contact your Area Housing Office.

What can the Council do to help?

We can take a range of actions. We will investigate any matters you bring to our attention. However, if it is a straightforward dispute between neighbours we may not take legal action. If a tenant (or visitor) continually causes a nuisance, the Council may apply to court for an injunction instructing the tenant or visitors to stop their actions. The court may even make the tenant leave their home and may also grant an injunction preventing them from returning to the area. We work closely with the Police. See ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR.

Can I be re-housed?

Our policy is to deal with the problem rather than have you moved. We only re-house people in very exceptional circumstances. Contact your Area Housing Office.

What can be done about noise in flats?

Flats cannot be completely soundproof. Noise can be heard easily through floors and walls. Neighbours are expected to be tolerant and to show each other respect. See Controlling Nuisance below. If you are troubled by noise you should try and discuss with your neighbour how they might change their behaviour. See What to Do below.

What if I cause nuisance to a neighbour?

If you, a member of your family, or a visitor to your home cause any nuisance to neighbours, you are in breach of your Tenancy Agreement. If you do not respond to complaints we will try to resolve the matter with you but if the nuisance does not stop, we will take action against you. This may result in you being made to leave your home. See Breach of Tenancy in TENANCY AGREEMENT.

What is Nuisance?

Nuisance is persistent behaviour or disturbance which causes distress to other people. It includes:

loud music or noise
arguments, shouting, swearing or slamming doors
selling or taking drugs
dogs barking, roaming or making a mess
playing ball games close to someone else's home
smoke or fumes from bonfires or barbecues.

What to Do

Talk to your neighbour: When people live close together, they often do not realise they are disturbing others. If you are disturbed the first step to take is to explain politely to the people involved that they are causing you a problem. You may consider using an independent mediator.

Talk to us: If the problem persists, contact us. We will need a record of the problem so you should keep a diary of events.

We will treat all complaints seriously and all information given to us will be treated as confidential.

In cases of extreme and continuous noise or pollution, the Council's Environmental Services can take action.

Controlling Nuisance

Keep all noise at reasonable levels.
Control sound from radios, stereos and TVs. Closing windows makes a big difference. Do not put music equipment against shared walls. Put it on a mat or carpet to deaden the vibration. Where possible use headphones.
Make sure that you mow your lawns, and do housework such as washing at reasonable times of day.
Warn neighbours when you are going to do something particularly noisy such as drilling, hammering or having a party. Also ask them to tell you when the noise is unbearable. Then you need to take a break.
Teach your children to think about how to play without disturbing other people, in particular older people.
If you have a dog, do not leave it barking constantly in the home or out in the garden also be sure it does not make a mess in any public or common areas and does not go into other people's gardens.

Your Enquiry | What is Nuisance? | What to Do | Controlling Nuisance

[ Contents | A-Z Index ]

NUISANCE

Your Enquiry