Noise advice during the Coronavirus pandemic

Please remember this is a shared experience. Everyone is going to be experiencing different forms of stress because of the current restrictions on movement.

We are all confined to our homes for most of the day, and for the foreseeable future. A considerable number of people will need to work from home and children will be doing schoolwork at home.

The current situation means that we must be realistic about the potential increase in anxiety for many people. With this in mind, we would urge everyone to be considerate of their neighbours by thinking about how noise from your home could be affecting others. Examples are:

  • Everyday noise – this could be the washing machine, doors closing, walking around or the TV. Avoid slamming doors and running up or down stairs. If you have laminate or wood flooring consider the use of rugs in areas with high footfall.
  • TV, stereo and radio noise – avoid playing music so loud that your neighbours can hear it and keep the bass level down. Position speakers away from adjoining walls, or areas in your property where they may cause the most noise transference. Alternatively, use headphones. It is a common misunderstanding that anyone is allowed to play their music as much and as loudly as they like up to 11pm. This is completely wrong, so don’t make that mistake. Noise nuisance can be caused at any time of day or night.
  • DIY noise – some people may choose to complete DIY tasks that they have been meaning to get around to during this period of restriction. Whilst you may enjoy putting your time at home to good use, your neighbours will not enjoy long periods of drilling, sawing or hammering.
  • Online meetings or gatherings – these are great to reduce feelings of isolation, but please keep the volume down, particularly the bass, or, again use headphones. We ask that all residents please avoid any loud, late night virtual parties.

For the same reason, we would urge everyone to be more tolerant and patient with noise and activity that they won’t be used to hearing.

If you are approached/contacted by a neighbour and asked to keep your noise down, react positively. Respect their right to enjoy their home without hearing all that is going on in yours. Keep in mind the need to maintain a 2 metre distance from any of your neighbours. Most people will be understanding and accommodating, but we ask that all residents be prepared to compromise, particularly throughout this difficult time.