Sometimes we do not realise the amount of noise we are making on a daily basis and how this affects our neighbours.
If the council contacts you about noise nuisance
Councils must look into complaints about noise that could be a statutory nuisance which is causing substantial and unreasonable interference with the complainant. These types of nuisances are covered by the
Environmental Protection Act 1990.
This can lead to the issuing of an abatement notice. We can also progress tenancy action against Housing Leeds tenants such as possession proceedings and criminal prosecution.
Public Spaces Protection Orders
Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) ban certain kinds of antisocial behaviour in a specific area. If you break any of the rules listed on a PSPO you could face a fine of between £100 and £1,000.
Students
All members of our communities are expected to abide by the law around antisocial behaviour. University students are also bound by a code of conduct for their university. These codes differ between the various higher education establishments. Guidance about student conduct is available, such as the
Unipol guide to living in a residential community. Breaking a code can lead to a disciplinary hearing or sometimes fines.
Where significant noise nuisance has occurred, including where an abatement notice is served or breached, we share the details of the students involved with the relevant university and do not need permission to do this. If you think you might be, or have been accused of noise nuisance, you should contact your university for help and guidance.
Our noise service works with
Leeds Beckett and the
University of Leeds to tackle noise nuisance and antisocial behaviour in the communities where large numbers of students live. Response officers and overnight patrols help identify and stop potential issues from escalating.
Potential harassment
If you believe that you are being accused of noise nuisance because of a potential harassment issue, you can let us know that you think it may be
antisocial behaviour. This can be abuse, intimidation, harassment or threat or use of violence.
You are a victim of a hate crime or incident if someone has targeted a crime at you or behaved badly towards you because of your
protected characteristics.
Mediation and other ways to resolve noise issues
Applicable fine types and charges
Breach of a community protection notice or a Section 80 Abatement Notice is a criminal offence. We can seize equipment in cases. A caution can be given but we can also prosecute with fines of up to £5,000 for a person and £20,000 for a business. There is also a fixed penalty notice of £100 if a community protection notice is breached.
Breach of a Public Spaces Protection Order is a criminal offence. A fixed penalty notice of £100 or a fine on conviction of up to £1000 will be applicable in these cases.
Causing noise nuisance is a breach of tenancy for Housing Leeds tenants and can lead to possession proceedings. Breach of a Section 80 Abatement Notice is an offence that enables the council to take possession.
If you think you may become a subject of a complaint
Often you can avoid a noise complaint being made against you by speaking with the person who thinks you are responsible, if you feel it is safe to do so.
Below is advice on how to avoid causing noise nuisance to others, if you think you may become subject of a complaint.
DIY
If you need to do DIY work on your property, try to do this as quickly as you can and keep this to the daytime hours. This is usually between 7am to 8pm. Let your neighbours know beforehand the work you intend to do, how long the work may last and the noise to expect, especially if you will be using power tools.
Garden noise
Do not do noisy garden tasks very early in the morning or late at night. Things like cutting hedges or power washing a patio can cause a lot of noise, so let your neighbours know in advance if you intend to do this.
Wind chimes can be noisy so keep them away from neighbouring properties. If a water feature has a battery backup, you can turn the system off once you come in from the garden so it is off during the late-night hours. Children should not repeatedly kick a ball against your neighbour's wall or fence.
Loud music and outdoor parties
Summer outdoor parties and barbecues will have a level of noise and this noise can carry. It is best to let neighbours know if you are having a get together so they are prepared for the noise - or even invite them.
Music should be kept to a reasonable level. Speakers are designed to make noise travel but be aware that bass sounds can vibrate in walls and cause disturbance. If you use musical instruments, practice at times when this will least annoy your neighbours and use headphones if this is possible.
Pets
Well-fed and exercised dogs are generally more content and bark less. Leaving a toy or even a radio on if the dog is indoors can help with separation from owners and prevent whining for long periods. Fences to block visibility and moving kennels so your pet is less disturbed outside can help with territorial barking.
Cats can hiss and wail very noisily, especially if they fight, so consider keeping your cat in during the night so this behaviour is less of a nuisance.
Caged birds singing and chirping can be annoying to some people, so try to keep your pet in a room in your property that is least likely to disturb your neighbours.
Appliances
Place appliances away from adjoining walls. Washing machines can disturb your neighbours, so run these at a reasonable time and place them on solid floors. Use underlay or carpets if you live in flats to prevent the usage noise travelling.
Vacuum at a considerate time for your neighbours. Extractor fans, pipes and cistern noises should be checked by a specialist.
