Noisy Neighbours and Noisy Tenants: Tips for Landlords

Noise Complaints: Some Tips for Landlords

A new study* reveals that over half of city residents say their environment has become louder in the past five years, and 45% experience noise disruption weekly. With that in mind, here’s what Hemel Hempstead landlords should know about noise and complaints.

What Landlords Need to Know About Noise

Some types of noise are simply part of everyday life - traffic, children playing, DIY during the day, or television at reasonable volumes.

However, certain noises can cross the line into what’s known as a statutory noise nuisance, which can be illegal. Local councils can issue an abatement notice requiring the noise to stop.

Examples of Statutory Noise Nuisances

- Loud music or parties at unreasonable hours
- Constant dog barking
- Shouting and arguing (which may also count as antisocial behaviour)
- Excessive noise from business premises or vehicles

Noisy Neighbours

If your tenants are disturbed by noisy neighbours, you aren’t legally responsible - but you can still help as a goodwill gesture.

You might start by having a polite word with the neighbour. If that doesn’t work, tenants or landlords can contact the council’s Environmental Health department for advice or investigation.

Noisy Tenants

If your tenants are the source of the noise complaints, you’re not directly liable, but it’s best to act quickly. Speak with your tenants to make them aware of the problem and advise them that continued disturbance could lead to council involvement.

Repeated antisocial noise could result in eviction proceedings. For licensed properties, such as HMOs, persistent noise issues could even impact your licence renewal.

A Call for Common Sense

Noise is subjective - what seems excessive to one person might feel normal to another. Time of day, frequency, and volume all play a part.

Encourage tenants to be respectful and mindful of neighbours. Often, open communication resolves problems before they escalate.

While legal remedies exist, most noise issues can be handled with patience, diplomacy, and a touch of common sense.

We hope you’ve found these tips helpful. If you’d like to learn how our property management services can make your landlord life easier, get in touch with our Hemel Hempstead lettings team today.

If you know a landlord who would find this guide useful, please share it with them.

Source: Chartered Institute of Environmental Health report