Living in a shared environment – whether in flats, terraced or semi-detached homes – means that some level of noise is inevitable. Everyday sounds like footsteps, children playing, or the occasional gathering are part of normal life. However, when noise becomes excessive, frequent, or occurs during unsociable hours (between 11pm and 7am), it can significantly impact your wellbeing.
At Paradigm, we understand that noise affects people differently. What one person finds tolerable, another might find distressing. That’s why we take a balanced and fair approach when responding to reports of noise nuisance.
What is considered noise nuisance?
We step in when noise is:
- Excessively loud
- Unreasonably frequent
- Happening during unsociable hours (between 11pm and 7am)
Examples include loud music late at night, door slamming at 3am, alcohol related disorder, or persistent disturbances that affect your quality of life. In severe cases, this may be considered a “statutory noise nuisance”, which may be investigated by the local authority as a criminal offence.
What is not considered noise nuisance?
- Children playing
- Babies and children crying
- Use of household appliances between 7am and 11pm
- One off parties or events
- General household living noise
- DIY between 7am and 11pm
What you can do
If you’re experiencing noise issues, here are some steps you can take:
- Talk to your neighbour: sometimes, a friendly conversation can resolve the issue.
- Contact us: we’re here to help. Reach us by email at ContactUs@ParadigmHousing.co.uk, call us on 0300 303 1010, or complete our online reporting form.
- Use the ASB App: record and log incidents to help us understand the pattern, frequency and severity of the noise you are experiencing.
- Request Incident Log Sheets: if you can’t use the app, we’ll provide paper logs for you to complete. Please make sure you include as much information as possible, such as the date and time of the noise, the volume, duration and type of noise you are hearing. Also, explain how it is impacting you.
- Give us permission to speak to your neighbour: this helps us address the issue directly.
- Participate in mediation: we may offer a guided conversation to help resolve the issue.
- Keep us updated: continued reports help us take appropriate action.
- Report the noise nuisance to your local authority’s Environmental Health team.
- Contact the police if the noise is linked to anti-social or criminal behaviour. Please provide us with any police reference numbers so that we can follow up and investigate.
What we can do
When you report noise nuisance, we will:
- Investigate your reports and assess if the noise is a statutory noise nuisance.
- Speak to your neighbour or send a letter asking them to adjust their behaviour.
- Offer mediation to help find a resolution everyone is happy with.
- Work with the police and other support agencies if needed.
- Use Acceptable Behaviour Agreements to help people take responsibility for their behaviour and make changes to reduce the noise.
- Take tenancy enforcement action in the very worst cases where the perpetrator shows no signs of stopping. This can include applying to court for an injunction or seeking possession.
Everyone deserves to feel comfortable and safe in their home. By working together and taking the right steps, we can maintain a peaceful and respectful community for all.
If you have any other questions or need further support, don’t hesitate to reach out to us using the contact details above.