Understanding your legal rights if you have nuisance noisy neighbours

Here's what you can do if a polite conversation won't fix the problem

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Thomas Cooper Reporter

17:05, 17 May 2026

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Here's what you can do to deal with noisy neighbours(Image: Getty Images)

If your peace is consistently disturbed by noisy neighbours - whether they're blasting music or holding late-night parties - there are a number of legal options you can pursue to stop it happening again. According to GOV.UK, there are six exact steps to follow "if you have a dispute with your neighbour."

Its worth remembering that the person making the noise may not be aware they are disturbing others. In many cases, a polite conversation may be enough to resolve the issue. However, if they are unwilling to listen or the problem continues, further action may be necessary.

What are the six steps?

Try to solve the problem informally by talking to them.
If your neighbour is a tenant, you could contact their landlord.
You could use a mediation service if raising the issue informally does not work.
If the dispute involves a statutory nuisance (something like loud music or barking dogs), you can make a complaint to your local council.
Contact the police if your neighbour is breaking the law by being violent or harassing you.
As a last resort, you can take legal action through the courts.

Six steps - full list explained

STEP 1: GOV.UK officials advise that you should first attempt to resolve the issue directly by speaking to your neighbour, or, if that is difficult, by writing a clear and factual letter.

It says: "If the problem affects other neighbours, involve them as well. It can be easier to settle a dispute if the complaint comes from multiple people. A tenants association might help if youre a member of one."

STEP 2: If your neighbour is a tenant, you can complain to their landlord. This could be a housing association, the council or a private landlord.

STEP 3: If you cannot resolve the dispute by speaking to your neighbour, you can get help from a mediation service. GOV.UK explain: "Mediation is when an impartial professional (the mediator) helps both sides work out an agreement. Its confidential and usually quicker and cheaper than going to court." You can find out more about that here.

STEP 4: You can contact your local council for assistance if the dispute involves something harmful to health or causing a significant disturbance. This is referred to as a statutory nuisance.

It notes: "Your council has a duty to investigate any statutory nuisance." This could include issues like:

noise (including loud music and barking dogs)
artificial light (except street lamps)
dust, steam, smell or insects from business premises
smoke, fumes or gases
a build-up of rubbish that could harm health

STEP 5 : You should call the police if your neighbour:

is violent, threatening or abusive
is harassing you sexually, or because of your sexuality, religion or ethnic background
is breaking the law in any other way - or if you suspect this

STEP 6: In the sixth and final step, if all other options have been tried, you may consider taking legal action against your neighbour.

GOV.UK says: "Taking someone to court can be expensive so it should be your last resort if nothing else works. There may be court fees and you may have to pay a solicitor."

Keep notes and make them detailed

According to Citizens Advice, you should try keeping records. You should make them as detailed as possible.

It suggests: "Make a note whenever the problem happens - your records will be useful if you decide to take things further.

"Write as much detail as possible. Include what happened, the length of time and how it affected you. For example, 22 June - dogs barking from 10:15am to 12:35pm. Loud enough to hear in living room - had to turn up my radio.

"Keep any messages your neighbour sends you and collect evidence if you feel safe to. For example, take a photo of rubbish thats been dumped in your garden."

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