Frequently asked questions about noise

• The first noise nuisance will usually be dealt with informally. For domestic noise, a warning letter will be delivered. The noise perpetrator may also be asked to attend an informal interview.
• The second noise nuisance may result in enforcement action. A legal notice is usually delivered to the person responsible for causing the noise, informing them that by law, they must stop causing noise nuisance. If the noise is coming from a commercial premises, we may require the company to carry out works to resolve the issue before we serve notice
• Subsequent noise nuisances may result in further formal action. For domestic noise, this can include seizure of noise equipment. For commercial premises, action can also be taken if a Premises License is breached and/or planning conditions are contravened.

Noisy neighbours can drastically affect a person's enjoyment of their own homes causing loss of sleep, stress and illness.

No, loud music can be classed as a Statutory Nuisance at any time of the day or night.

Speakers

These should not be fixed to or facing party walls (dividing walls between you and your neighbour’s properties).

Speakers can be isolated from the floor by placing them on suitable speaker stands. Alternatively, extra pieces of carpet or underlay can be placed under the speakers. This will reduce the noise and vibration affecting neighbouring properties.

Volume and bass beat

The volume and bass control should be turned down as low as possible. It is also advisable to turn them further as it gets later into the evening and night.

Headphones

Alternatively, people who like to hear their music loud can use headphones.

Cordless headphones are now available which allow a person to enjoy their music whilst moving around their home. However, to avoid long-term hearing damage, it is advisable not to set the volume too high.

Professional equipment

We would advise that professional equipment is not used in domestic properties without the use of headphones.

Music in the garden

If music is played when windows are open or outside e.g. in a garden, a number of people are more likely to be affected. Noise nuisance is therefore more likely to be caused in these circumstances.  People speaking loudly in your garden at night can also cause noise problems.

• The more tired a dog is, the less it will bark – so it’s a good idea to exercise it regularly

• Do not leave your dog alone for long periods - dogs naturally stay in packs and therefore prefer company. Do not let your dog bark or whine for long periods of time

• Try not to excite your dog too much when playing as this will lead to barking - try to keep it calm.

• Do not leave your dog outside late at night or very early in the morning if it is prone to barking

• Consider seeking professional advice from a pet or behavioural specialist.

Unfortunately, we are unable to give specific decibel readings which state what is or is not a nuisance. This is due to the number of different factors that need to be taken into account (e.g. time of day, background noise etc.)

A non-scientific guide is as follows:

Close the door in the room where your music is playing. Stand in an adjacent room so the noise you are hearing is coming through a wall. If you can clearly hear your music, your neighbour can probably hear it as well.

On occasion we have to take enforcement action against those people who continually cause noise nuisance.  As a last resort, this can result in us obtaining a warrant from Leicester Magistrates Court to gain entry to a property to seize noise equipment.

Remember a noise nuisance can occur at any time of the day or night.

Yes you can. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 allows you to take your own action. Please contact us for more advice.