We usually always recommend that you speak to your neighbour first if there is a noise problem. We frequently find that when we write to someone, who hasn’t been approached informally first, they can be quite upset by receiving a letter from the Council. It can be quite a daunting experience for some people and they can be very defensive about the matter, which makes our job of resolving a problem more difficult at times. They often consider themselves to be approachable and are offended that no-one spoke to them first. Of course there are people who are unfortunately unapproachable for what ever reason.
Before you approach your neighbour, it is important to assess the risk to your personal safety and property. If you feel frightened or intimidated by your neighbour and you are worried that they may respond aggressively, then approaching them to complain may not be the best option for you.
If this is the case, then check whether your neighbours are tenants. It may be worth talking to their landlord. Most Conditions of Tenancy require that tenants do not cause nuisance to neighbours; a private landlord, local authority or housing association should take action if a nuisance is being caused.
In todays’ world where people work most of the day and perhaps do not spend much time at home, they do not know their neighbours very well, so approaching a stranger to complain can be an uncomfortable prospect.
Firstly if you really don’t feel comfortable speaking to someone or want to maintain your anonymity you could write a polite note explaining the problem. Try to give as much detail as possible and mention specific events that caused you the problem and explain why. Be careful, as some people may dwell on the wording, so think carefully about what you say.
It is probably best to talk to your neighbour, if it’s the first time you’ve spoken to them think about trying the following.
•Start by smiling. Catch your neighbour's eye when they head out in the morning or give them a friendly nod when they come home.
•Get to know this person if you don't already. What's thier name? Where do they work? How long have they lived on the street?
•Try to make pleasant chitchat and find a common interest. Sports? Gardening? Movies?
•Mention, in an offhand way, that you can hear thier music from your house. Tell them it sometimes wakes you up. For many people, this will be enough to let them know that their behaviour needs to change.
•Wait a week or two to see what happens.
•Think about the best time to talk to your neighbour more directly abou the matter. Mention in a more direct way that you'd like the volume lower. Be clear and specific with your request - and don't forget to be friendly.
•Find out if other neighbours are bothered, if no change happens, ask them to mention it, too.
•Wait a week or two to avoid creating a conflict that could become hostile.
•Escalate if you need to: Write a letter, solicit legal advice or call the Environmental Health Service.
Tips
Start good relations now
•If you establish friendly relations with the people in your neighborhood at the outset, it's easier to make requests of them when the need arises.
Timing
•Avoid approaching your neighbour when the noise is actually happening. You are more likely to be angry and have an argument with your neighbour.
•In addition to this, if it’s late at night and your neighbour is playing music loudly or having a party, they may have been drinking alcohol. If this is the case, they are unlikely to be as receptive to your grievance as they may normally be and think you are just trying to spoil their enjoyment.
•If you feel comfortable invite them to come inside your home and hear the noise where appropriate so that they know that the problem is real and that you are not imagining it.
Plan ahead
•Before you approach your neighbour, plan what you are going to say.
Keep calm
•When approaching your neighbour be calm and polite at all times. On no account should you threaten or use threatening behaviour, as this will not help you to resolve the problem. In general, being friendly and direct will get you much better results than being hostile.
What to say
•Explain to them that the noise is disturbing you and your family and tell them how and when you are being disturbed. Explain simply what the problem is and how it is affecting you. Try not to use "blame" against the owner (e.g. talk about the noise, rather than their noise). Agree what is, and isn’t, a problem
•If the noise is due to DIY activities, perhaps you can agree with your neighbour times when noisy activities, such as drilling or hammering, can be carried out.
•If the problem is a barking dog, suggest that your neighbour seek advice from their vet on how to reduce the barking.
•If the problem seems to be inadequate sound insulation there are a number of solutions available to improve it, for further information you can contact the Building Research Establishment (BRE) or contact them on 01923 664200 or email them at environment@bre.co.uk
•REMEMBER
Experience shows that often people do not realise that their activities are affecting other people and your neighbours may at first be embarrassed when you speak to them about it. They may try to hide their embarrassment by denying that there is a problem.
Keep to the problem at hand
•You are trying to find a solution for the future that both you and your neighbours can live with. Do not put too much of your efforts into raising problems of the past.
•The purpose of talking to your neighbours is not to extract a confession from them! A polite and friendly approach is most likely to achieve the peace and quiet that you want, without either of you losing face.
Appeal to their better nature
•Ask for their help with the issue. Be grateful for their help and understanding.
•Remember to listen to your neighbour’s point of view.
•If you have previously got on well with your neighbour, tell them that you want to get back to being on good terms.
•Try and be positive and to compliment your neighbour if they have tried to deal with your concerns.
