Find out how to deal with noise that's happening often and for long periods of time
Before you make a complaint
Some people do not realise their everyday noises are a problem. You can often resolve the problem of noise nuisance with a neighbour or business by first talking to whoever you believe is responsible for the noise. Information on how to do this is on the
Problem Neighbours website.
If you cannot resolve the noise dispute by speaking to the person responsible, you can get help from
a mediation service. Mediation is when an impartial person listens to both sides and helps resolve it.
Warning
If someone is in immediate danger, a vehicle is being stolen or damaged, or you think a crime is taking place call 999. Dangerous driving should be reported to the police on 101.
Housing Leeds tenants
Noise from
Housing Leeds tenants is a tenancy management issue. If reported to us, a member of the Housing Leeds team or our antisocial behaviour team may contact you.
What we'll do about daytime noise
If you submit a noise nuisance complaint to us, we'll get back to you to discuss your report. Timeframes depend on how serious the noise is. We might ask you to complete a noise diary to note down the times you hear noise.
If we gather enough evidence we may be able to take legal or enforcement action to stop the noise.
If a noise nuisance complaint is made about you
If a
noise nuisance complaint is made against you we will investigate this and where necessary may issue an abatement notice. Councils must look into complaints about noise that could be a statutory nuisance and which is causing substantial and unreasonable interference with the complainant.
Timescales
If you have submitted a noise complaint to us we should get back to you within 10 working days. If we think your complaint is an emergency we will contact you within 24 hours.
Case officers will give you regular updates about your noise nuisance case every 2 weeks. If it has been more than 2 weeks since you received an update, contact your case officer directly. You will have received their phone number by email, text message or by letter.
If you choose to take legal action yourself
If you are affected by noise nuisance and do not wish to involve the local authority or you have not obtained satisfaction from them, you can complain directly to the Magistrates' Court under section 82 of the
Environmental Protection Act 1990.
It is not necessary to employ a solicitor. However if you feel happier doing so, they will be able to advise you.
How councils deal with statutory nuisances
Domestic noise nuisance
We will consider complaints about noise that is coming from houses, gardens and a street or other public area as domestic statutory noise nuisance.
Domestic noise we will not investigate
Noise as a result of everyday living such as road traffic noise, children playing, or the use of household appliances like washing machines or TVs, is not usually considered a statutory noise nuisance unless it is excessive or prolonged.
What is considered a statutory nuisance is covered by the
Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Dog barking complaints
If the barking is coming from a business premises such as a dog kennels or a breeders, this should be reported as
commercial noise nuisance.
We are only able to take action for persistent and prolonged dog barking. We do not deal with noise complaints about dogs that bark for a few minutes at a time, especially if the barking happens mostly during the day. We also cannot make owners give up their dogs.
If you are concerned for the welfare of a dog then this should be reported to the
RSPCA Leeds, Wakefield and District Branch on 0113 1234 999.
Domestic bin collections
Our bin collections take place from 6:30am Monday to Friday. Noise caused by the normal running of these collections cannot be reported as a nuisance. Use our online form to
report an issue with the waste collection crew.
Housing Leeds tenants
Noise from
Housing Leeds tenants is a tenancy management issue. If reported to us, a member of the Housing Leeds team or our Leeds Anti-social Behaviour team may contact you.
Commercial noise nuisance
Commercial noise nuisance usually comes from businesses and organised events. Licenses and permits are often issued for such events or works. Commercial noise also covers any commercial activity at residential properties.
General vehicle noise
People are not allowed to engage in, promote, encourage or assist in the carrying out of antisocial behaviour connected to the use of cars and other vehicles. We have current
Public Spaces Protection Orders in Leeds connected to the use of vehicles.
Fireworks
It is illegal to let off fireworks after 11pm except on Bonfire Night (5 November), Diwali, New Years Eve and Chinese New Year. If using fireworks to celebrate an event, let your neighbours know so they are aware of the noise to expect.
If you are experiencing issues with firework misuse please contact
West Yorkshire Police.
Noise at work
If a noise nuisance complaint is made about you
If a noise nuisance complaint is made about you we will investigate this and where necessary may issue an abatement notice. Councils must look into complaints about noise that could be a statutory nuisance and which is causing substantial and unreasonable interference with the complainant.
How to resolve noise nuisance
You may be able to resolve a noise issue with whoever you believe is responsible before you make a complaint to us. Read our guidance on
how to resolve noise nuisance with a neighbour or business.
Report noise nuisance complaints
Tell us about your noise problem and we will let you know if you should report it to us.
Tell us about your noise problem
External link
Commercial noise nuisance
We will consider complaints about noise that is coming from a business or an organised event as commercial noise nuisance. Licenses and permits are often issued for such works or events.
What a commercial premises is
Any commercial, industrial or licensed premises is considered as commercial if it is operating as a business.
This includes if they are temporary or mobile businesses such as ice cream or snack vans.
This also covers any commercial activity at residential properties.
Commercial noise we will not investigate
Noise as a result of road traffic is not considered commercial noise. The
government's advice for traffic and road noise has more information.
Construction noise
Normal construction or demolition work is not considered a statutory commercial noise nuisance but work is restricted to certain hours:
Monday to Friday 7:30am to 6pm
Saturdays 8am to 1pm
Construction should not take place on Sundays or bank holidays. Unplanned emergency works can sometimes happen.
What is consider a statutory nuisance is covered by the
Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Business bin collections
Bin collections for businesses are carried out by private companies. Contact the company who are responsible for the collections to have them address the noise.
Train and rail noise
We are not responsible for train or rail noise.
Network Rail has guidance about this type of noise.
Noise from aircraft
Antisocial behaviour
If a noise nuisance complaint is made about you
If a noise nuisance complaint is made about you we will investigate this and where necessary may issue an abatement notice. Councils must look into complaints about noise that could be a statutory nuisance and which is causing substantial and unreasonable interference with the complainant.
How to resolve noise nuisance
You may be able to resolve a noise issue with whoever you believe is responsible before you make a complaint to us. Read our guidance on
how to resolve noise nuisance with a neighbour or business.
Buskers
If you think a busker in Leeds is being too loud, please speak to them. If the problem continues, contact our City Centre Management team on 0113 378 7753 or 0113 378 6646 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm).
Report commercial noise pollution
You can report commercial noise nuisance using our online form. The form will ask for your details as these are needed to pursue enforcement action.
Report noise nuisance online External link 