How to report a noise problem

Some noise is to be expected in a busy city. If a noise problem interferes with the use or enjoyment of your home or affects your health, you can make a report to us.

When our officers will review a report depends on the type of noise problem.

Before you make a report

To report a noise problem, we will need to know:

• where you were or are when you hear the noise
• the location of where the noise is coming from
• what the noise is or sounds like

Our officers need to witness the problem to make an assessment. This could include a prearranged visit to your home. We may also need to ask you for more information.

You can request not to be contacted, but this will limit the action we can take to investigate and resolve your complaint.

Report a noise problem

After you have made a report

If you provide your contact details, you will receive a reference number by email. You can use this reference number to follow up on the progress of your report.

If you choose not to be contacted, you will not receive a reference number or updates on your report.

When we will review your report

We usually review the following types of reports within 1 hour:

• vehicle alarm noise
• burglar or fire alarm noise
• party noise
• outdoor event noise
• out-of-hours street work noise
• bar, pub, club, or licensed premise noise
• out-of-hours building site, construction, or DIY noise

These issues are investigated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is because these issues are most likely to affect many residents or cause significant disturbance.

We will usually review the following types of reports within 1 working day:

• street works noise
• animal noise, such as dog barking
• commercial business noise
• building site, construction, or DIY noise

We will usually review the following types of reports within 4 working days:

• neighbour and residential noise
• pedicabs or rickshaw noise
• street noise, such as loudspeakers
• Underground tube or train station noise
• out-of-hours deliveries to commercial business noise
• ventilation and fixed plant noise

These issues are most likely to require a more complex investigation.