As many as one in four households have issues with their neighbours, and noise is the most common complaint. It is almost impossible never to hear anything from your neighbours unless you are completely secluded. However, excessive noise and annoyance, particularly at unsociable hours, can be very upsetting, and it may break the law.
There are rules regarding what is appropriate regarding noise. Here, we how to deal with neighbours that break the rules.
Talk
This may be obvious, but talking to your neighbours is the first step. You often find that they are reasonable and willing to compromise. Perhaps they were not aware of the impact their noise had been causing. One thing to consider when approaching your neighbours to talk about the issue is timing. Banging on the door during an alcohol-fuelled gathering is unlikely to achieve the desired results. Try to catch them during the day and be calm and friendly.
Contact the Local Council
If talking calmly with your neighbour does not resolve the noise issue, you may need to report the problem to your local council. The council will write to your neighbour about the issue, and you will be asked to keep a diary of the noise.
This is a serious process that could lead to court proceedings, so it should not be done unless necessary. It is worth mentioning that official complaints are recorded, which could cause problems when selling your property.
Mediation
Mediation can be used if you can not speak with your neighbour on a civil level. A professional mediator will allow all parties to speak and come to an understanding and a solution. This is often highly successful, but it requires both parties to agree to the process.
Contact the Landlord or Estate Agent
If the neighbour is renting their property, you may have some success contact the landlord directly. If this is not possible, try to determine the estate agents that deal with their tenancy and contact them to explain the issue. It may be that your neighbour is breaking rules that are clearly outlined in their tenancy agreement.
Court
Consulting a lawyer and taking your neighbour to court should be the very last resort. This is a potentially costly, lengthy and stressful procedure.
For more information on how Hardings Lettings ensure our tenants are safe and respected, contact us on 01277 233400.