Noise nuisance
What we deal with
A noise nuisance is when a noise repeats over time that makes it unreasonable.
It may be a noise from a home, business, or public space. It may disrupt your enjoyment of your property or pose a health risk.
We can usually take action with:
- repeating loud music, parties or amplified sound
- noise from licensed premises outside of the permitted licensing hours. For example, a pub, club or restaurant
- noisy construction or building works and DIY noise at unreasonable times
- vehicle and building alarms
- constant dog barking and other animal noises
See how councils deal with statutory nuisances on GOV.UK
What we cannot deal with
- One-off parties or BBQ’s unless they become persistent
- Normal noise such as children playing, household appliances, intermittent banging, furniture moving, TV at reasonable times
- Noise from vehicles, traffic, aircraft or trains
- Shouting, raised voices, arguments and laughing
- daily activities like doors closing, toilets flushing and walking across floors or up and down stairs
Before you make a complaint
Some people do not realise their everyday noises are a problem.
You can often resolve the problem by first talking to the person causing the noise, if you feel safe doing so. Information on how to do this is on the Problem Neighbours website.
You may wish to write to them explaining the problem. Or ask a friend or family member to talk to them on your behalf.
If the problem is from a tenant, contact the landlord or managing agent. They may be able to help.
Keep a noise diary or log
You should start keeping a noise diary or log which you can refer to. This will help us with our investigations and show that it’s a repeating problem.
Record dates and times of the nuisance, how it affects you and start and end times.
Noise control hours in Redbridge
- Monday to Friday - before 8am and after 6pm
- Saturdays - before 8am and after 2pm
- Sundays and Bank Holidays - No noisy works
Report a noise nuisance
If someone is in immediate danger or you think a crime is taking place call 999.
If the problem continues and you cannot solve it, report it using our online form.
You need to tell us:
- the address where the noise is coming from
- a description of the noise
- your contact details. We’ll not share this with the person making the noise
Weekends and out of hours
If you’re experiencing a noise problem between these hours, call 07976 398426.
- Fridays from 9pm - 2am
- Saturdays from 9pm - 2am
- Sundays from 9pm to 11pm
Your call will be taken by an Officer. They will ask you questions to check what action is needed.
What happens next
We’ll send an advisory letter asking the person to reduce the level of noise. We’ll not attend unless there has been a history of noise.
If there have been three or more confirmed reports within seven days to the same address, we’ll get an officer to attend. We may take enforcement action.
If the issue continues after the officer has attended, we’ll take formal action. This could be abatement notices or fixed penalty notice (fine).
If you choose to take legal action yourself
If you are affected by noise nuisance and do not wish to involve the local authority or you would like to take action yourself, you can complain directly to the Magistrates' Court under section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
The Magistrate must be convinced that the problem amounts to a statutory nuisance. This is for you to try and prove to the Court.
You can get legal advice. The Citizens Advice Bureau may be able to offer free legal advice in some situations.
You must legally give notice of your intentions in writing to the person causing the nuisance. It should include details of your complaint and needs to give:
- at least three days notice for noise nuisance
- at least 21 days notice for other types of nuisance
You should keep a copy of the notice.
