Dealing With Noisy Neighbors: Practical Tips For Peace And Quiet

If you're being disturbed by noise from your neighbours, there are several steps you can take to address the issue. While it may be an uncomfortable conversation, the first step is often to talk to your neighbour about the problem. Many people are unaware that they're causing a disturbance, and most will be willing to reduce the noise they're making. If this doesn't work, you can try contacting your landlord or building supervisor, or you may need to take legal action.

Talk to your neighbour about the problem

If you're experiencing noise pollution from your neighbours, the first step is to talk to them about the problem. Rather than having a shouting match across the fence, try ringing their doorbell and asking to have a conversation about the noise. It's important to take a reasonable approach to such disputes. You could also give them a warning by sending a copy of the local noise ordinances with the relevant parts underlined or highlighted.

If you live in a housing society, you can contact the building supervisor. You could also suggest ways to reduce noise, such as using furnishings like heavy sofas, cushions, tables, curtains, rugs and carpets with extra padding to absorb sound. Bare floors, large metal and glass surfaces, and furnishings with casters can reflect and increase noise. Speakers, television sets, pianos and musical keyboards should not be placed on the side of the shared wall.

If the noise continues, you can show the police that you have attempted to solve the problem on your own. Call the police during a period when you feel the noise ordinance is being violated. However, it's best to avoid calling the police in non-emergency situations and instead contact your city's non-emergency police line. If all else fails, you can take legal action against your neighbour.

Contact the building supervisor

If you are living in a housing society, you can contact the building supervisor to discuss the noise pollution. It is best to first try to resolve the issue with your neighbour by having a polite conversation with them about the noise. You could also give them a warning by sending them a copy of the local noise ordinances with the relevant parts highlighted. If this does not work, you can contact the building supervisor to discuss the issue. If the neighbour is the owner, the building supervisor may be able to take action. If the noise continues, you can show the police that you have attempted to solve the problem and they may come and investigate. You can call the non-emergency police line to report the issue.

Take legal action

If you are suffering from noise pollution caused by your neighbours, there are several steps you can take to address the issue. If the neighbour is the owner and making noise, you can contact the building supervisor. However, if this does not work, you may need to take legal action. Here are some options for taking legal action against neighbours for noise pollution:

• Familiarise yourself with the relevant laws: Noise pollution is addressed under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, which deems noise as an air pollutant. This Act includes specific provisions related to noise, such as Rule 5, which prohibits the use of loudspeakers or public addressing systems during night hours (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.).
• Approach the Central or State Board: You can file a complaint with the Central or State Board under Sections 16 and 17 of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. This allows you to seek redressal for noise pollution issues.
• Document and report violations: Keep a record of any instances where your neighbour violates noise ordinances or the provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. You can then report these violations to the appropriate authorities, such as the police or local noise enforcement agencies.
• Seek legal advice: If the noise pollution persists and your neighbour refuses to cooperate, consider consulting a lawyer. A legal professional can guide you through the specific processes and options available in your jurisdiction, including potential civil or criminal actions.

Remember, taking legal action should be a last resort after attempting to resolve the issue amicably. It is always best to try and communicate with your neighbour first and find a mutually agreeable solution.

File a complaint

If you are experiencing noise pollution from your neighbours, there are several steps you can take to file a complaint. First, try to talk to your neighbour about the noise. Ring their doorbell and ask to have a conversation about it. You can then give them a warning by sending a copy of the local noise ordinances, with the relevant parts highlighted or underlined. If this does not work, you could contact the building supervisor, if you live in a housing society. You are also allowed to take legal action against the neighbour at fault, as per the legal provisions and redressal mechanisms. For example, you can approach the Central or State Board under Sections 16 and 17 of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, which deems noise as an air pollutant. This Act specifically addresses noise pollution, with Rule 5 stating that no loudspeakers or public addressing systems shall be used during the night hours, i.e. 10 pm to 6 am. If you feel that your neighbour is violating noise ordinances, you can also call the police. However, it is best to avoid calling the police in non-emergency situations and instead contact your city's non-emergency police line.

Settle amicably

If you are experiencing noise pollution from your neighbours, there are several steps you can take to settle the issue amicably. Firstly, try to talk to your neighbour about the noise. Ring their doorbell and ask to have a conversation about it, rather than shouting across the fence. You could also suggest ways they can reduce the noise, such as moving speakers and television sets away from shared walls, or adding extra padding underneath rugs and carpets. If you live in a housing society, you could contact the building supervisor. If you feel the noise is excessive, you can call the non-emergency police line. However, it is best to avoid calling the police in non-emergency situations. Instead, show that you have attempted to solve the problem by giving your neighbour a warning and sending them a copy of the local noise ordinances with the relevant parts highlighted.

Frequently asked questions