Many activities around the home can be heard by your neighbours. Not all noises are reasonable. Your enjoyment of your home must not unreasonably interfere with your neighbours' wellbeing.
The general environmental duty requires you to eliminate or reduce risk to human health and the environment, including from noise.
Noise laws and regulations set out:
- certain sources of noise
- prohibited times when noise might be considered unreasonable.
If you know you’ll be doing something noisy – like playing music at a party or home repairs – try talking to your neighbours first. You could leave a note in their letterbox. Let them know:
- what noise to expect
- how long it will last
- how to contact you if it’s too loud.
People are often more understanding if they know when the noise will start and end and that they can contact you if it's a problem.
Air conditioners
Noise from air conditioners can disturb neighbours when:
- it’s loud
- it’s close to neighbours
- there's no noise barrier or enclosure
- the unit is old or not maintained.
To reduce noise from your air conditioner, consider:
- servicing or replacing the unit
- installing a barrier or enclosure around it
- limiting the hours when you use it.
If the noise from your air conditioner is unreasonable, a council officer may direct you to:
- make the air conditioner quieter
- not use it during prohibited times.
Home maintenance and repairs
Noise from power tools, lawn mowers or other machinery can disturb your neighbours, especially when it:
- continues for long times without breaks
- happens early in the morning
- happens every weekend.
You must avoid disturbing your neighbours where you can. Some tips to do this:
- discuss your project with your neighbours before you start
- work on noisier activities later in the day, not first thing in the morning
- take short breaks when doing very noisy activities, such as using power tools
- be aware of how loud you’re talking early in the morning
- ask tradespeople you hire to be aware of noise.
Music and parties
Noise from music includes playing instruments and using a stereo or home theatre. Bass noise from speakers is a common problem for neighbours because it travels easily into their homes.
To reduce the impact on your neighbours:
- use headphones
- adjust speakers to turn down the bass
- do not play loud music outside or when neighbours are asleep
- turn off subwoofers at night
- move parties inside at night
- keep doors and windows closed when you have guests inside
- ask your guests to be quiet when they leave.
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