Noise nuisance

Noise from TVs, amplified music and parties

Noise from loud TVs, amplified music and parties can cause most disturbance during the evening when the background noise level is often lower and people are more likely to be trying to relax and sleep.

Some tenancy agreements or leases may state hours after which no music is to be played.

To avoid causing a nuisance, follow these simple rules:

• keep the volume down, particularly any base, especially at night or early morning
• place speakers away from partition walls, floors or ceilings. Standing these on an insulating material can reduce transmission of sound
• if you are having a party, consider inviting the neighbours. Keep windows and doors closed, and if someone complains, turn it down
• with personal entertainment, for example toys, computer games - be considerate and keep the volume down. Avoid using them in the same room where someone is watching TV or listening to the radio. Turning the volume up may disturb your neighbours
• when entertaining in the garden remember that sound travels. Avoid amplified music outdoors

Your garden

Gardens are a place to relax - with a bit of consideration you can keep them peaceful:

• power tools in the garden should be used with discretion - avoid strimming or shredding when your neighbours are trying to relax in the sunshine
• think before installing features in your garden that make a noise - the splashing fountain or tinkling chimes might soothe you on a sunny afternoon, but could drive your neighbours mad at night

Domestic appliances

We use more and more appliances to help us with the housework - and they can be very noisy. Where you put them and when you use them can make all the difference:

• make sure washing machines, fridges and dishwashers are away from party walls and on a carpet or mat to reduce vibration - especially if you live in a flat
• use noisy appliances at sensible times - during normal waking hours. Hoovering in the early hours would be considered unreasonable
• consider those at home - if hoovering or using a food processor then shutting doors will avoid the necessity for others in the house to turn up the TV or music
• if buying a new appliance consider the low noise option. Some products, such as vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers, washing machines etc. have a noise rating - if they haven't, ask why.

Your home

The construction and layout of your home can cause problems within your home and to your neighbours:

• avoid slamming doors and thundering up and down stairs - especially if you live in a flat or terraced house
• when considering options for flooring, be considerate. Many leases prohibit stripped floors or hard surfaces - for good reason
• if you have stripped or laminate flooring, take off heavy shoes or boots. Socks or slippers will reduce noise
• if installing laminated flooring, make sure you use sound insulating underlay
• sounds travel between walls, be aware of what's next door. If you can, avoid having noisy spaces (kitchen, living room) adjacent to quiet spaces (bedroom, study)