There are several different ways of dealing with domestic noise problems. You should look at the list below and decide which is the best way to deal with your problem and contact us again if you need further help.
1. Speak or write to the person causing the problem
The person causing the problem may respond better to a polite word or letter from you rather than a visit from a Council official. A suggested template letter may be downloaded from this website.
2. Action by the Housing Arms Length Management Organisations (ALMO)
If you live in a house owned by one of the Arms Length Management Organisations or if the problems come from an ALMO tenant, action may be taken under the terms of the tenancy agreement. Your local Housing Office will be able to give you advice on this.
West North West Homes 0800 915 1113
Aire Valley Homes 0800 915 6660
East North East Homes 0800 915 1600
Belle Isle TMO 0113 214 1833
3. Leeds Anti Social Behaviour Team
If the behaviour of your neighbour is making you feel harassed, alarmed or distressed then contact the Leeds Anti Social Behaviour Team (LASBT) on 0113 222 4402.
4. West Yorkshire Police
The Police deal with certain types of neighbour problems such as those involving violence, public disorder or threatening behaviour. The Police can be contacted on 0845 6060606.
5. Action by the Environmental Protection Team
We can investigate complaints of certain noises such as:
• Amplified music or noise from radio, television or stereo
• Noise from DIY activities at unreasonable times
• Intruder alarms
• Persistent dog barking
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
A noise diary can be downloaded from this website for you to complete over the next 2 to 3 weeks. This information is essential to gain sufficient evidence for us to investigate your complaint.
If the evidence obtained shows the likelihood that a statutory nuisance may exist, your nuisance diary will be used together with a statement from yourself to support any action taken by this Department. This may require you to give evidence in court.
It is therefore, essential that the information which you record is accurate and written at the time of the noise or shortly after. When completed, please return your diary to the above address. If you do not return your nuisance diary we will not be able to progress your complaint or take any further action.
If you would like us investigate your complaint please call the Council on 0113 222 4406 or report the noise online here.
6. Use Leeds Community Mediation Services
Leeds Community Mediation Service is an independent organisation which offers a free and confidential service to resolve neighbour problems. Trained mediators will listen to both parties. Mediation is most successful when used at an early stage of a dispute before any formal enforcement action is taken.
Download a PDF leaflet about Leeds Community Mediation Service which includes their telephone number 0113 242 4110.
7. Consult a Solicitor
You could use a Solicitor to write a letter on your behalf to the person causing the problem or to give you legal advice.
8. Take your own legal action
You can take your own legal action in the Magistrate’s Court. An information booklet about how to do this is available to download from this page.