Report a noise issue

Types of noise issues

Noise issues can cause you ongoing concern and can affect your quality of life. There are different examples of noise issues. We have highlighted the most common noise issues:

Fireworks

The Police can enforce a fixed penalty notice (FPN) of £80 to anyone under 18 possessing a firework in a public place. You may also receive an FPN for letting off fireworks after 11pm.

When can I let off fireworks?

You are not allowed to set off fireworks at night (after 11pm and until 7am). There are exceptions on the following days:

  • until 1am on the night of the Chinese New Year
  • until 1am on the night of Diwali
  • until 1am on New Year's Eve
  • until midnight on 5th November (Bonfire Night)

Fireworks can be frightening for both people and animals. Disturbed animals and pets can become panicked or destructive.

We recommend letting your neighbours with pets know in advance if you are going to set off fireworks.

Arguing or shouting

You might experience noise issues from persistent arguing or shouting in your neighbourhood.

What can I do about arguing or shouting?

If you are experiencing arguing or shouting noise issues we recommend:  

  • Having a friendly word with your neighbour about the problem where you feel safe doing so. If you are unsure how to approach them please refer to our 'top tips for approaching neighbours.'
  • Completing a noise diary. You can upload the diary sheets to our noise issue form. Once we receive your report, we will contact you to discuss your complaint and agree an action plan. 
  • Contact social services or the Police if you have concerns about the welfare of resident.

Construction noise

Construction and demolition noise can amount to statutory nuisance in certain circumstances.

The Control of Pollution Act 1974 gives powers to the council to restrict working hours. It allows conditions to be set on the types of machinery which are used on construction sites.

You may want to give your neighbours advance warning of the works and duration.

When is construction work allowed?

The operating hours permitted by London Borough of Harrow for noisy works are:

  • Monday to Friday: 8am - 6pm 
  • Saturday: 8am - 1pm
  • Sunday and bank holidays: No noisy works permitted

Home improvement (DIY)

Residents should not be carrying out DIY before 8am and or after 8pm. This includes noise issues from drilling or hammering.

What can I do about home improvement noises?

If you are experiencing home improvement noise issues we recommend: 

  • Having a friendly word with your neighbour about the problem where you feel safe doing so. If you are unsure how to approach them please refer to our 'top tips for approaching neighbours.'
  • Completing a noise diary. You can upload the diary sheets to our noise issue form. Once we receive your report, we will contact you to discuss your complaint and agree an action plan. 

Vehicles

Vehicle noises from a private property can be reported and investigated.

What can I do about vehicle noise issues?

If you are experiencing loud vehicle noises from your neighbours we recommend:

  • Having a friendly word with your neighbour about the problem where you feel safe doing so. If you are unsure how to approach them please refer to our 'top tips for approaching neighbours.'
  • Completing a noise diary. You can upload the diary sheets to our noise issue form. Once we receive your report, we will contact you to discuss your complaint and agree an action plan.

You can escalate vehicle noise issues including:

Animals (barking or howling)

Whilst it is natural for dogs to bark, constant barking or howling can be disturbing or upsetting.

The problem sometimes occurs when the dog’s owner is out of the property.

What can I do about animal noise issues?

If you are experiencing issues with dogs barking or any other animal sounds we recommend:

  • Having a friendly word with your neighbour about the problem where you feel safe doing so. If you are unsure how to approach them please refer to our 'top tips for approaching neighbours.'
  • Completing a noise diary. You can upload the diary sheets to our noise issue form. Once we receive your report, we will contact you to discuss your complaint and agree an action plan.
  • If you have concerns about the welfare of a pet, please contact the RSPCA.

General living noises

Some general living noises are not created on purpose but are due to living near neighbours.

Examples of general living noises are:

  • vacuuming
  • creaking floors
  • doors opening and closing
  • children playing.

Some noises occur through normal behaviour due to different working patterns or lifestyles.

Laminate flooring can intensify ordinary sounds of living. To minimise noise, a good quality underlay should be used in areas of high foot traffic.

If you are a tenant please check your lease before installing laminate flooring.

What can I do about these noises?

If you are experiencing any of these issues:

  • Having a friendly word with your neighbour about the problem where you feel safe doing so. If you are unsure how to approach them please refer to our 'top tips for approaching neighbours.'
  • Mediation may help you and your neighbour(s) understand each other’s point of view and reach a solution.
  • Completing a noise diary. You can upload the diary sheets to our noise issue form. Once we receive your report, we will contact you to discuss your complaint and agree an action plan.