Help with noise problems

If noise is bothering you, try speaking to your neighbour as soon as you can. Many problems can be sorted out by having a friendly chat.

You might feel nervous, but your neighbour may not know they’re being noisy. Often, they’ll feel embarrassed and try to be quieter in future.

Before you speak to them:

• think about what you want to say
• stay calm and polite
• do not talk to them while the noise is happening, especially late at night or if they’ve been drinking

If you feel scared or worried that your neighbour might be aggressive, it’s best not to speak to them directly.

If talking doesn’t work, you can ask for help from a mediator – someone who helps people solve problems.

Portsmouth Mediation Service is free and open to everyone in the city. A mediator will listen to you and help you find a way forward. They can also speak to your neighbour if you want.

Contact Portsmouth Mediation Service

• call 023 9206 4954
• email steve@portsmouthmediationservice.org.uk
• address: Oasis, The Venue, Arundel Street, Portsmouth, PO1 1NP

If you can’t talk to your neighbour or the problem continues, you can make a formal complaint to the council using our online form.

Our noise team has legal powers to deal with noise and noisy neighbours. We’ll usually contact them to let them know we’re looking into it. We won’t tell them who made the complaint or share your personal details.

If the council doesn’t take action, or if you don’t want to involve us, you can complain directly to a magistrates’ court.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Speak to the court clerk for advice.
2. Write to the person making the noise and say you plan to take legal action.
3. Give them at least 3 days’ notice before going to court.
4. Keep a record of the noise. Write down the dates, times, how long it lasted, what it sounded like, and how it made you feel.

What happens at court

If you win your case:

• the court will tell the person to stop the noise
• they may get a fine
• you might get your costs paid back

If you lose, you may have to pay your own costs and theirs.

If the noise continues or the person breaks the court order, they will be guilty of an offence and could be fined again.