Noise Nuisance

Broadly speaking, Landlord Services handles complaints involving tenants and/or their children, pets and guests, although the Anti-Social Behaviour team can investigate complaints involving home owners and those in private rented accommodation too.  In many cases, the person creating the noise is unaware of the inconvenience they are causing.  In others, the Council finds that different lifestyles in neighbouring homes can lead to a misunderstanding. 

Any household will make noise but the Council believes that the extent to which residents disturb each other can be changed.  The most crucial factor in resolving conflicts is compromise.

Action that you can take to prevent - and solve - problems

Everyone has the right to enjoy quiet in their home and have their wishes respected by their neighbours.  The Council is committed to protecting these rights for its residents.  However, we also expect residents to show tolerance and understanding of the needs of others and to talk to their neighbours about misunderstandings.

Welwyn Hatfield is home to a wide variety of people from a range of ethnic origins, age groups, hours of work and other varying lifestyle characteristics.  This means that what is music to your ears could well be "that awful row" to your neighbours, whilst their dog barking may be keeping your young child awake.  It is very rare to find someone who is deliberately trying to upset the neighbours. 

Repetitive noise, day in day out, can lead to stress and make life miserable, especially for people who cannot leave their homes and those with health problems.  People leading more hectic lives don't always have time to stop and think about the impact their activities are having on others.

Excessive noise isn't always the result of inconsiderate behaviour.  Even homes with good sound insulation may not cope with powerful stereos and other mod cons, such as washing machines.  However it is not acceptable to make anti-social noise and blame it on poor sound insulation.

Below are some tips on how you might prevent sound travelling in your home:

• keep hi-fis and televisions away from walls and floors, and use headphones at night 
• Avoid using your washing machine and other noisy appliances at night or very early in the morning
• Fit carpet to stairways where possible
• Please ask permission from your Neighbourhood Housing Officer before fitting laminate floors
• Avoid shouting to other members of your household and banging on doors
• If you have a party, set a finish time (and try to stick to it) and give your neighbours ample warning.  Residents are less likely to complain if they know when they can expect noise to stop.  Make sure your guests are considerate too.
• If you own a dog please try to keep it quiet
• Please be extra vigilant in the summer, as noise travels further outside - for example, through open windows or if you are having a BBQ or garden party
• Car stereos and alarms disturb others, especially when you are parked or waiting for someone
• Make sure a key holder can be contacted if your house alarm goes off whilst you are away.  See that it is regularly maintained to ensure it doesn't go off accidentally

Action the Council can take if problems become serious

Persistent noise, created without consideration for others at unreasonable times is nothing less than anti-social behaviour, something the Council takes very seriously.

We believe that residents do not want to inconveniences others and therefore expect compromises to be reached quickly.  However, we will take action against people who fail to act responsibly.

Court action

Excessive noise breaches Section 2.23 of the tenancy agreement, "Nuisance", and this includes loud music, doors slamming and dogs barking as well as general disorderly conduct.

Council tenants who are shown to be making excessive noise and refuse to stop when asked may be taken to Court.  Here the Council can seek an injunction for breach of contract or possession of the home in very serious cases.

Noise Abatement Notices

Some forms of amplified equipment can constitute a Statutory Nuisance and the Council's Environmental Services department is responsible for serving these.  Breach of a Noise Abatement Notice can lead to confiscation of equipment and substantial fines. 

Reporting Noise Nuisance

If you are unable to resolve the problem yourself, in the first instance you should report noise nuisance to the Environmental Services department: e.health@welhat.gov.uk (telephone 01707 357 000)

If the matter concerns a Council tenant Environmental Services may contact the relevant Neighbourhood Housing Office and seek their involvement.  If the case is a very serious one it may be referred to the Anti-Social Behaviour team.