How to handle noise and neighbour disputes

Living close to other people has its benefits, like borrowing a cup of sugar, sharing a chat over the fence, or keeping an eye on each other’s homes.

But it can also bring challenges, especially when it comes to noise and disagreements.

Handling these situations calmly can save a lot of stress and keep the peace around your scheme and community.

Talk it through

The best way to solve most neighbour problems is by having a friendly conversation.

Many people don’t realise how their actions affect others so a calm chat can make a big difference.

You could say something like, “Hi, I’ve noticed the TV has been quite loud in the evenings and it’s been hard for me to sleep, would you mind turning it down a bit?”

If you feel nervous about speaking in person, a short note or message can work just as well.

Keep it polite and clear. Focus on how the issue affects you rather than blaming your neighbour. Being friendly and straightforward often helps people respond positively.

Write it down

If the noise or behaviour continues, keeping a record of these incidents can be really useful.

Note the dates, times, and type of disturbance. This can include loud music, shouting, banging, or even pets that are noisy at certain times.

Keeping a diary will help you explain the problem clearly to someone else if needed and can also show patterns, like which days or times are worst. Even small details, like how long the noise lasted, can make a difference when reporting the issue.

If you’re not sure where to start, you can use this diary sheet to help you.

Ask for support

If talking to your neighbour or keeping a record of the problem doesn’t resolve the dispute, reaching out for support from someone neutral can help manage the situation and work towards a solution.

Your Neighbourhood Co-ordinator can guide you through the next steps and provide mediation support, including speaking to your neighbour on your behalf.

Your local council may also have services to help with neighbour disputes, especially if the issue affects your health or safety, such as:

Loud noise, such as music or barking dogs
Artificial light, except from street lamps
Dust, steam, smells, or insects from nearby businesses
Smoke, fumes, or gases

A build-up of rubbish that could be harmful to health.
In serious cases, such as harassment or threats, it’s important to contact the police. If you’d prefer not to have staff or the police visit your home, you can phone them to arrange a private meeting somewhere else.

If you’re experiencing anti-social behaviour, we’re here to help. We can work with you to address the situation as quickly as possible and offer advice on the next steps.

You can find out more in our ASB guide and Reasonable Behaviour policy at www.habinteg.org.uk/asb .

You can also contact our Customer Services Team at Habinteg Direct for guidance and to find out who your Neighbourhood Coordinator is. Call 0300 365 3100 or email direct@habinteg.org.uk .

For more guidance on dealing with neighbour disputes, including advice on complaints and resolving issues, visit Citizens Advice or GOV.UK .

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