Nuisance/threatening behaviour
The Tenancy Agreement states that tenants must not cause nuisance to their neighbours. Nuisance includes persistent noise which causes distress to others, eg loud music, dogs, cars, parties.
What action can I take against nuisance from a neighbour?
Often people do not realise they are disturbing others. Try and explain the problem politely to your neighbour even if it is caused by a member of their household or a visitor. If the situation does not improve, contact your Neighbourhood Office for advice. We will take action, including legal action, if necessary. We have various ways of dealing with anti-social behaviour and harassment. See Anti-social behaviour
What can be done about noise in flats or adjoining houses?
Neighbours are expected to be tolerant and to show each other respect. Flats cannot be completely soundproof and noise can be heard easily between floors and walls. However, many tenants do not realise how much noise is heard elsewhere in the building.
What about nuisance from dogs?
Tenants must keep animals under control. If you are troubled by straying dogs contact the Animal Warden. 'Poop' bins and dog toilets are provided in all neighbourhoods. However, if you find dog mess that needs cleaning, we can get it cleaned up. Contact your Neighbourhood Office.
What about parties?
You can hold a party in your home provided you do not annoy or disturb your neighbours. You should discuss your plans with your neighbours beforehand. If a party is advertised or people pay to get in, the tenant of the property has broken the tenancy conditions and we will take action against them.
Talk to your neighbour. When people live close together, they often do not realise they are disturbing others. You need to explain to them politely that they are causing a problem.
If the problem persists, contact us(Contact your Neighbourhood Office). We will need evidence of the problem so you need to keep a diary of events. We will treat all information as confidential.
If the problem is about noise, for example a party, contact the Council's Noise Service on 020 8356 4455. They can take emergency action in serious cases.
Use our Mediation Service. Many neighbour problems can be sorted out by talking. Hackney Mediation Service can help. They have independent mediators who discuss the issues with everyone involved and help them come to an agreement. This service is free.
- Control the volume of sound from radios, stereos and TVs, at all times of the day. Do not put these systems against shared walls. Place them on a rubber mat or carpet.
- Make sure you do housework or DIY at reasonable times of the day.
- Keep noise, in or near your home, right down from 9 pm to 8 am.
- If you have a dog, do not leave it barking constantly in the home, on a balcony, or out in the garden, and clear up any mess it makes.
- Warn neighbours when you are going to do something particularly noisy: drilling, hammering or having a party.
- Make sure your children think about how their playing habits might affect neighbours.
- Be quiet when you return home late at night. Don't slam car doors, hoot car horns, or shout to your friends.
Hackney Homes and the Council offers additional services for residents affected by excessive niose. Complaints about excessive noise are investigated by officers who can take action if the noise is considered to be a statutory nuisance.
When is noise nuisance a statutory nuisance?
Noise nuisance is covered by Part III of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This law empowers local authorities to deal with noise from fixed premises. Before action can be taken we have to be sure that the noise constitutes a statutory nuisance. This means that we have to prove that the noise is prejudicial to health and/or is causing an unreasonable and persistent disturbance to your lifestyle.
More information about the Hackney Council noise service (opens in a new window)
If you have any queries you should contact your local neighbourhood office.