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Noise
Find out what counts as normal household noise and what may be considered anti-social behaviour. Learn when repeated noise becomes a problem, what steps to take (talking to neighbours, mediation, and ASB reporting), and how to reduce noise in your home.
What counts as anti-social noise
Noise may be anti-social if it:
- Happens again and again
- Lasts more than 30 minutes a day
- Happens on 5 or more days in one week
We want everyone to enjoy their home, so please be considerate and tolerant of others.
Everyday noise (not anti-social behaviour)
Some sounds are normal in day-to-day life. These are not anti-social behaviour:
- Children playing or babies crying
- Footsteps
- A one-off party or celebration
- Daily sounds like DIY, washing machines or vacuuming (during the day)
- Neighbours arguing or shouting - if you're worried about someone’s safety, please see our advice on Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse
If you have a noise problem
1. Talk to your neighbour
If you feel safe, have a friendly chat. They may not know they are disturbing you.
2. Try mediation
If things do not improve, mediation can help.
- Mediation is a safe way to solve problems with the help of a trained mediator.
- You don’t have to be in the same room as the other party - this is called shuttle mediation.
- It’s free, private, and independent to Cottsway.
- The mediator helps both parties understand each other and find a solution that works for everyone.
We can refer you to mediation if both parties agree. It can help even if you’re unsure it will work.
The mediation company also offers conflict resolution coaching to help you learn skills to handle problems better in the future.
For more information, contact us
3. Report it
If the noise keeps happening during the day or at night (11pm–7am), and you:
- don’t feel safe speaking to your neighbour, or
- have tried talking and it hasn’t helped, or
- think mediation could help,
please fill in our ASB online reporting form and incident diary.
We may also ask you to record the noise using our ASB app.
Top 10 tips to reduce noise at home
- Use carpets and underlay on stairs and floors.
- Report doors that need repair so they close quietly.
- Add felt pads to stop doors slamming.
- If you’re having a party, tell your neighbours and reduce noise after 11pm.
- If your dog barks when you’re out, leave a radio on quietly to calm them.
- In upstairs flats, use an anti-vibration mat under the washing machine.
- Don’t install laminate flooring in flats. Wear slippers or soft shoes indoors.
- Tell neighbours if you are doing DIY and keep noisy work to a minimum.
- Keep TV, music and gaming volume low in the evening or use headphones.
- Remember we all have different lifestyles and backgrounds. Please be patient, respectful and kind.