Excessive noise can make life a misery. Our noise service investigate a wide range of noise complaints from a variety of sources. Common examples of domestic noise include loud music, barking dogs and burglar alarms.
However, we are normally unable to take action in relation to general living noise, such as:
• Footsteps
• Flushing the toilet
• Washing machines, vacuum cleaners etc
• Moving furniture
• General talking
• Children playing/crying
• Slamming doors
• Shouting
In addition to investigating domestic noise sources we also investigate noise from commercial businesses such as pubs, clubs and factories.
The service is available to everyone but for legal reasons we cannot accept anonymous complaints. The details of the complainant will be kept confidential during the investigation, although if the evidence obtained shows the existence of a statutory nuisance a statement from yourself will be required to support any action taken by this Department. This may require you to give evidence in court.
Look at the What can I do about domestic noise nuisance page for some ideas on how to handle domestic noise problems.
You can report noise online here.
In cases where noise nuisance has been proved an abatement notice will be served. If this notice is breached the perpetrator can be taken to court and prosecuted and a fine imposed. The fine can be up to £5,000 for domestic premises and up to £20,000 for commercial premises. Furthermore, if the person responsible for the nuisance breaches the notice persistently, their noise making equipment can be seized under warrant and retained to prevent further nuisance occurring.
The links from this page provide further information about what action you can take if you are affected by noise and give some useful and practical advice on how to prevent causing nuisance if you are a householder or business.
Leeds Noise Service now operates virtually around the clock. If you are bothered by noise problems, phone us on 0113 222 4406 during office hours, (8am – 6pm Monday to Friday), or 0113 242 5841 (at all other times).