Key points

  • Most noise problems are best raised early, politely and in person or in a short note, before resentment builds.
  • Put your request in writing so there is a clear, calm record of what you asked and when.
  • Keep a simple noise diary: date, time, how long, what kind of noise and how it affected you.
  • If talking doesn’t work, your strata or landlord, local council, environment agency, free mediation services or the police may be able to help, depending on the noise.
  • FenceChat filters hostile replies from a neighbour while keeping every original message, so a dispute stays civil and documented.

A friendly note: This guide shares general information to help you understand your options. It isn’t legal advice, and it can’t tell you what to do in your own situation. For that, a lawyer or a free legal service is the best next step, and you’ll find some in Where to get help.

What to do about noisy neighbours: start friendly

Many neighbours have no idea how far their noise travels. A barking dog, a late-night TV, music through a shared wall or a 6am renovation can sound very different from the other side. A friendly first approach solves a surprising number of noise problems.

  • Pick a calm moment, not when the noise is happening and you are frustrated.
  • Be specific: what the noise is, when it happens and how it affects you (“I start work at 6, so music after 11 on weeknights keeps me up”).
  • Ask for something small and clear, such as turning the bass down after 10pm, rather than “be quieter”.
  • Assume good faith. People respond far better to a request than an accusation.

How to write a noise complaint note or message to a neighbour

If you’d rather not knock, or the first chat didn’t stick, a short written note works well. It also gives you a record. Here is a template you can adapt:

“Hi, I’m your neighbour at number 12. I wanted to let you know that music has been coming through quite loudly late at night, especially on weeknights after 11pm. I start work early, so it has been hard to sleep. Would you be able to keep it down after 10pm on weeknights? Thanks so much, and feel free to text me on [number] if there’s ever noise from our place that bothers you too.”

Keep it short, polite and about the noise, not the person. Avoid threats such as “or I’ll call the council” in a first note. Keep a copy or photo of what you sent and the date.

Keep a noise diary

If the noise continues, a record will help whoever you go to next. For each episode, note:

  • the date, start time and end time
  • what kind of noise it was (music, barking, shouting, machinery, parties)
  • where you heard it from and how loud it seemed
  • how it affected you (woke you, stopped you working, upset the children)
  • any messages or conversations about it

Short audio or video clips can help too, as long as you record from your own property.

Making a noise complaint: who to contact next

Who can help depends on the type of noise, where you live and whether you rent, own or live in a strata or apartment building. As a general guide:

  • Strata or body corporate. In apartments and townhouses, building by-laws often cover noise, and the strata manager or committee can remind owners and tenants of them.
  • Landlord or agent. If your neighbour rents, their landlord or agent may be able to step in. If you rent, let your own agent know too.
  • Local council or environment agency. Councils and state environment agencies deal with many ongoing noise problems, such as alarms, machinery, building work and pool pumps. See the NSW EPA noise pages or EPA Victoria’s noise information, or check your council’s website.
  • Free mediation. A neutral mediator can help neighbours agree on something that works. Options include the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria and Queensland’s neighbourhood mediation. In NSW, Legal Aid NSW’s neighbours information is a good place to start.
  • Police. For loud parties or noise late at night, many people make a noise complaint to police using the non-emergency number. Call emergency services if you hear violence or someone is in danger.

In the US, noise rules are usually set by your city or county, and many areas have community mediation centres. Your local government website is the best starting point.

When the neighbour reacts badly

Sometimes a polite request gets an angry reply, or a run of hostile messages. Don’t match the tone. Reply once, briefly, then step back:

“Thanks for replying. I’m only asking for less noise after 10pm on weeknights. I’ll leave it there for now.”

Avoid arguing on community Facebook groups or leaving angry notes, which tend to escalate things. Keep every message in your noise diary. If messages become threatening or harassing, our guide on stopping someone texting without blocking them may help. For other neighbour issues, see the neighbour fence dispute guide.

How FenceChat helps: Neighbour disputes often move to text or email, and that’s where they turn nasty. FenceChat filters hostile language out of a neighbour’s messages before you read them and passes on anything practical, like times, agreements or offers to sort it out. You can also give a neighbour a FenceChat number instead of your own mobile. Every original message is kept in your Archive, which is useful if you need to show a council, strata or mediator what was said.

If you feel unsafe: Message habits and a filter are not a safety plan. If you are worried about your safety, contact one of the services below, or call emergency services if you are in danger.

Where to get help

These services are free or low-cost. If you or someone else is in danger, call your local emergency number first.

Australia

Neighbours and community disputes

Renting and housing

Free or low-cost legal help

If you feel unsafe

  • Emergency: 000 Police, ambulance or fire, if you or someone else is in danger.
  • 1800RESPECT Free, confidential counselling for family, domestic and sexual violence, any time. 1800 737 732.

United States

Neighbours and community disputes

Renting and housing

Free or low-cost legal help

If you feel unsafe

United Kingdom

Neighbours and community disputes

Renting and housing

  • Shelter Advice on renting and housing problems.

Free or low-cost legal help

If you feel unsafe

Frequently asked questions

What can I do about noisy neighbours?

Start with a friendly, specific request in person or in a short note. If the noise continues, keep a noise diary and contact your strata or landlord, your local council or environment agency, a free mediation service, or the police for loud late-night noise.

How do I make a noise complaint?

Who handles it depends on the noise and where you live. Councils and state environment agencies deal with many ongoing noise problems, strata managers handle by-law issues in apartments, and police can respond to loud parties late at night. A noise diary will support any complaint.

Can I call the police about noisy neighbours?

For loud parties or noise late at night, many people make a noise complaint using the police non-emergency number. Call emergency services if you hear violence or think someone is in danger.

How do I write a noise complaint letter to a neighbour?

Keep it short and polite: say who you are, describe the noise and when it happens, explain how it affects you, and ask for something specific, such as keeping it down after 10pm on weeknights. Keep a copy and note the date.

How does FenceChat help with neighbour disputes?

FenceChat filters hostile language out of a neighbour’s texts and emails and passes on the practical points. You can give them a FenceChat number instead of your own, and every original message is kept in your Archive.