Loud noise
Is this anti-social behaviour? Only if the noise is persistent.
Noise is often the biggest culprit when it comes to anti-social behaviour. It’s important to remember that no home is completely soundproof, so some noise from your neighbours is inevitable.
We recommend starting with a friendly chat with your neighbour; they might not even realise they’re being too loud.
If the noise continues, or if it happens day and night and you don’t feel comfortable approaching your neighbour, please reach out to us using the ASB Reporting Form on your online account.
Here’s what we need to know:
- When the noise occurred
- How long it lasted
- The type of noise
- How loud it was
- How the noise affects you
We have several ways to help:
- Providing you with tools to record the noise
- Arranging mediation with your neighbour. Mediation helps neighbours find solutions together with a trained mediator
- Issuing verbal and written warnings
- Taking legal action if necessary
Loud noise – shouting/arguing
Is this anti-social behaviour? Only if the noise is persistent.
Noise is often the most common cause of anti-social behaviour. Remember, no home is completely soundproof, so hearing some noise from your neighbours is normal.
We suggest having a friendly chat with your neighbour first; they might not realise they’re being disruptive.
If the noise persists, happens frequently, or you don’t feel safe approaching your neighbour, please fill out our ASB reporting form and let us know:
- When the noise occurred
- How long it lasted
- The type of noise
- How loud it was
- How the noise affects you
We have several ways to help:
- Providing you with tools to record the noise
- Arranging mediation with your neighbour. Mediation helps neighbours find solutions together with a trained mediator
- Issuing verbal and written warnings
- Taking legal action if necessary
If you have concerns about the welfare of an adult or child in the household, please contact the social services Safeguarding Team and/or the Police.
General everyday living sounds
Is this anti-social behaviour? No, not normally considered to be anti-social behaviour.
“General living” includes everyday sounds like walking around, doors opening and closing, talking, babies crying, and vacuuming.
You might want to have a friendly chat with your neighbour—they may not realise you can hear them.
If the noise continues to disturb you, feel free to reach out to your locality coordinator via your online account, or using our live chat function.
Please provide us with the following details:
- How often the noise occurs, including dates and times.
- What type of noise you are hearing
- How the noise affects you
Outdoor/ball games
Is this anti-social behaviour? No.
Ball games are a lot of fun for those playing, but they can sometimes disturb others and cause friction in otherwise peaceful localities.
While green spaces might seem perfect for ball games, some are close to customers’ homes and parked cars, which can lead to complaints.
Even quiet residential roads and car parks are used by vehicles. If a driver needs to swerve to avoid a ball or a child, it could result in a serious or even fatal accident.
Open spaces are for everyone to enjoy. Let’s respect each other’s right to a peaceful and safe environment. Here are a few tips to keep things friendly:
- Try to play outside your own house, not someone else’s.
- Be mindful of your safety and the safety of other road users.
- Parents, please keep an eye on where your children are playing and ensure they’re not disturbing residents.
- Communicate with your neighbours—be ready to compromise and agree on a time and place for games.
- Expect, within reason, the joyful noise of children playing after school, on weekends, and in the evening.
- “No ball games” signs are a request, not a bylaw and as such are not enforceable.
If ball games are played deliberately and persistently, causing nuisance, annoyance, or property damage, this can be considered anti-social behaviour, which we take seriously.