Making noise at home? Think of your neighbours

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Unreasonable noise can be annoying and impact on the comfort, health and wellbeing of those who live close by.

With many people now working, schooling and spending more time at home due to COVID-19 restrictions, being mindful of causing unreasonable noise in your neighbourhood is more important than ever.

When is noise unreasonable?

Permitted or reasonable noise levels are set by the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 and vary at different times of the day. The levels vary for each property as they take into account local traffic factors and the surrounding mix of commercial, industrial and residential use.

As a guide, noise coming from a neighbouring property is considered unreasonable if it can be clearly heard inside your house, especially at night time.

Keep in mind that noise from certain activities, such as construction, power tool use and playing musical instruments is permitted if it occurs within set times and in accordance with exemption conditions.

Communicate with your neighbours

Most neighbourhood noise concerns can be solved through reasonable communication.

If neighbourhood noise is bothering you, the first step is to speak to your neighbour. Remember to be polite and stay calm when discussing the issue. Your neighbour may not realise the impact that their activities are having on you.

Where possible, try to reach a compromise that will work for both of you. It could be as simple as turning down the bass on your stereo or not using power tools when your neighbour is still at work.

It’s important for both parties to be flexible, particularly in unusual circumstances, such as one-off parties, school holidays and periods of self-isolation.

If you are not comfortable speaking to your neighbour, you could leave a friendly note in their letterbox or one of the City of Swan’s noise information factsheets, as they may not be aware of the permitted noise levels.

If friendly communication doesn’t solve the issue, you can contact WA Police or lodge a noise complaint with the City.

Other kinds of noise issues

The City cannot address noise complaints created by intruder alarms, loud vehicles and anti-social behaviour. These should be reported to the WA Police on 131 444.

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