Noise

Noise disturbance is one of the most common forms of anti-social behaviour that is reported and can come in various forms such as loud music, parties, multiple visitors regularly frequenting a property, foul and abusive language to name but a few. Please remember that noise disturbance is only deemed anti-social behaviour if it is persistent.

General Living Noise

When you live in an apartment, semi-detached or terraced house, it is inevitable that you will hear noise from your neighbours. You may hear babies crying, children playing, toilets flushing, general conversations, and doors will slam from time to time.

Sounds relating to ‘general living’ are not considered as anti-social behaviour. ‘General living’ includes noise such as:

• Vacuuming
• Walking around
• Doors opening and closing
• General conversations
• Children playing
• Washing machine / Tumble dryer noise

If you are experience disturbance, your neighbour may not be aware. Therefore, you may want to have a friendly word with your neighbour or use our Dear Neighbour Letter.

Loud Noise/Music

Clann want everyone to enjoy living in their home and would ask that residents are both considerate and tolerant. Loud noise / music would only be considered anti-social behaviour if it is persistent.

It is important to consider if this is a one-off event, or if it is persistent. As annoyed and angry as you may feel, generally a doorstep confrontation at 2am has a high chance of escalating, especially if alcohol is involved. Therefore, the best way to handle a one-off event is to have a calm conversation with your neighbour the following day.

We would first suggest you have a friendly word with your neighbour as they may not be aware they are causing a disturbance. You can also download our “Dear Neighbour Letter” to help with this.

If the behaviour is persistent, during unsociable hours and you do not feel comfortable to approach your neighbour, or you have tried, and the situation has not improved, please complete our anti-social behaviour log with dates and times of the incidents. Download log sheets (link) here, or alternatively they can be requested through Clann’s Contact Centre on 01 707 2244 or by email at clann@clannhousing.ie.

**If you have concerns about the welfare of an adult or child in the household, you should contact An

DIY Noise

Like general living noise, from time to time you may hear loud DIY noise from your neighbour’s home. If you are intending on carrying out noisy DIY works, it may be a good idea to inform your neighbour of the work you are carrying out and how long you expect it to take. Where possible, it would be best to inform them in advance. Complaints may be avoided if people are aware of your timetable.

If you are disturbed by DIY noise, we would suggest you have a friendly word with your neighbour first as they may not be aware they are disturbing you. You can also download our “Dear Neighbour Letter” to help with this.

If the behaviour is persistent, during unsociable hours and you do not feel comfortable to approach your neighbour, or you have tried, and the situation has not improved, please complete Clann’s anti-social behaviour log sheets with dates and times of the incidents and send these to us. Log sheets can be requested through Clann’s Contact Centre.

Tips to Reduce Noise

Here are some tips for reducing noise in the home to minimise disturbance to neighbours.

Alarms
Ensure you choose a reliable product and ensure it is serviced regularly. Installers of alarm systems are required to have licenses from the Private Security Authority. In order to get a license, they must adhere to certain standards, including maximum times for the sounding of external alarms – the maximum under the European standard is 15 minutes.

DIY
Whenever possible, let your neighbours know that you are undertaking noisy work and try to work during normal daylight hours. Carry out the noisiest tasks in the middle of the day – if you must start early, do quieter jobs first.

Garden noise
Try and carry out noisy activities in the middle of the day for example mowing the lawn. If you have a barbeque or party, tell your neighbours, invite them if appropriate, avoid amplified music out of doors and if anyone does complain, turn it down.  It is also advisable to either end your party or bring your guests indoors at a reasonable time.

Entering / leaving your home
Avoid slamming front doors or communal entrance doors, particularly late at night or early morning. If expecting a visitor or a cab, ask them to knock rather than sound the horn and try not to slam your door or car doors.

For further information, the Government of Ireland have compiled “A Guide to Noise Regulations” which may also offer some guidance.