‘Residential noise’ is noise coming from a residential property and its surroundings. It can include noise from: 

• stereos or radios 
• televisions 
• air conditioners 
• lawn mowers 
• power tools used during home renovations 
• construction of houses and apartments.

Everyday household activities can cause residential noise and disturb neighbours. Noise can impact your health.

Any noise from a residence can be unreasonable at any time of the day, depending on: 

• its volume – how far the noise spreads 
• its intensity – how loud or how many decibels it is 
• the type of noise and what it sounds like 
• how close it is to neighbours 
• how long it continues 
• how often it occurs.

The Environment Protection Regulations 2021 list noise sources and what times noise is unreasonable. These regulations apply when people in other residences can hear the noise. Noise from items or equipment not listed in the Regulations may be unreasonable at any time. Any noise from a residence can be unreasonable at any time of the day.

Learn how unreasonable noise requirements in the Environment Protection Act 2017 and the Regulations work together.  

EPA  has the following guidance about unreasonable noise: 

• Annoyed by noise (publication 406) 
• Information for councils about regulating residential noise

Find out about changes to noise restrictions during coronavirus.