Introduction

In September 2021, Mark Pearce, 53, made the decision to end his life. Mark made more than 22 complaints to his housing association about his neighbours’ noise and the impact this was having on his mental health. Nothing was done.  

However, at ASB Help we believe in learning from mistakes and trying to prevent these tragedies from happening again. So, we thought we would write a series of short blogs on noise nuisance. The impact it has on residents, the different types of noise nuisance, along with some ways for victims and practitioners to tackle these issues. 

For this blog, we wanted to reflect upon some of the recommendations in the ‘Spotlight on: Noise Complaints‘ report from the Housing Ombudsman.  Whilst this tragic case pre-dates this report, it reiterates the importance of reflecting on the cause of the noise to ensure the correct approach is taken in these circumstances. 

Table of contents

What is noise nuisance? 

Regardless of the type of noise, as illustrated by the Mark Pearce case, the impact can be devastating and those suffering may need support. Noise can be relentless, draining and can be detrimental to a person’s health and wellbeing.  It is vital that agencies assess and recognize these needs to help relieve the impact noise nuisance has on peoples mental and physical health.  Working in partnership with other agencies to provide this support is crucial.  

Noise as many of you are aware is the highest reported ASB case type. This is because it’s what we would regard as an ‘umbrella’ term which encompasses so many behaviours from foul and abusive language to frequent visitors, to loud music. In fact, there aren’t many reports of ASB that do not have a noise element!  However, not all reported noise is anti-social behaviour, such as general living noise. 

What is general living noise?

General living noise may include:

  • Babies crying
  • People walking on wooden/laminate flooring
  • Toilets flushing
  • Washing machines

General living noise such as those listed above should not be considered as anti-social behaviour. It is important to triage these reports and ensure that the right response is provided.  Just because they are not ASB does not mean that there should be no action taken, just a different approach needs to be applied.  Noise complaints are often managed through an organisation’s ASB policy and procedure which are not appropriate for ‘household noise’.   

For example…  

Practitioners shouldn’t be looking to issue an ABC or ASB tenancy warning letter for the use of a washing machine at any hour of the day.

So what can be done?  

Alternative approaches can be used to tackle general living noise. For example, appliances like a washing machine are an essential in most people’s homes. Therefore, individuals and/or landlords may use simple resolutions like noise reduction pads placed underneath the washing machine and/or moving the washing machine to a more insulated part of the home. 

If the general living noise is not resolved and causing neighbourhood disputes, mediation could be offered but it should not be offered under the guise of tackling ASB. If such issues are left unchecked, then neighbourly relationships can quickly sour and become fraught…  ASB or criminal behaviour may then follow.  It is therefore vital that these matters are tackled at the first opportunity and ‘nipped in the bud’.  To quote the ‘Spotlight on: Noise Complaints’ report, landlords should adopt:  

“a proactive good neighbourhood management strategy, distinct to the ASB policy, with clear options for maintaining good neighbourhood relationships”.

What can practitioners do? 

Practitioners e.g. landlords, housing associations, play a vital role in tackling noise nuisance of any description. Here are some things for practitioners to consider when supporting communities to tackle general living noise: 

  • Have a strong Housing Management Policy/Strategy and ASB Policy in place that is clearly defined. 
  • With two strong policies in place, ensure that every report of noise nuisance is triaged carefully and appropriately.  
  • Assess the case and if appropriate, issue diary sheets and/or the use of recording devices.  
  • Manage expectations! Inform the individual/s if the noise they are reporting is general household living noise or ASB and under which policy/procedure it will be managed and what the process is. 
  • Working in partnership with other agencies is key. 
  • Encourage good neighbourly relations. 
  • Consider the impact the noise is having on the individual(s) reporting the noise nuisance. Even if the noise is general household living noise, it can have a detrimental impact on their mental and physical health. Ensure there is support in place!  
  • Think about noise transference. Changing flooring from hardwood to carpet may be costly, but it could prevent a problem escalating.   

Landlords and practitioners can refer to the ‘Spotlight on: Noise Complaints’ report for further recommendations and guidance around managing general living noise.

If you need any further advice on noise nuisance cases and/or your policies/procedures, please get in touch with us via our Contact Us form. 

Blog initially published 09/11/2023. Updated and republished.