Making a noise complaint

Noise from Housing Leeds tenants is a tenancy management issue. If reported to us, a member of the Housing Leeds team or our antisocial behaviour team may contact you.

If you submit a noise nuisance complaint to us, we'll get back to you to discuss your report. Timeframes depend on how serious the noise is. We might ask you to complete a noise diary to note down the times you hear noise.

If we gather enough evidence we may be able to take legal or enforcement action to stop the noise.

If a noise nuisance complaint is made against you we will investigate this and where necessary may issue an abatement notice. Councils must look into complaints about noise that could be a statutory nuisance and which is causing substantial and unreasonable interference with the complainant.

If you have submitted a noise complaint to us we should get back to you within 10 working days. If we think your complaint is an emergency we will contact you within 24 hours.

Case officers will give you regular updates about your noise nuisance case every 2 weeks. If it has been more than 2 weeks since you received an update, contact your case officer directly. You will have received their phone number by email, text message or by letter.

If you are affected by noise nuisance and do not wish to involve the local authority or you have not obtained satisfaction from them, you can complain directly to the Magistrates' Court under section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

It is not necessary to employ a solicitor. However if you feel happier doing so, they will be able to advise you.

Councils must look into complaints about noise that could be a statutory nuisance. This is a nuisance which is covered by the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

How councils deal with statutory nuisances depends on the type of complaint and if an abatement notice has been served.

Commercial noise nuisance usually comes from businesses and organised events. Licenses and permits are often issued for such events or works. Commercial noise also covers any commercial activity at residential properties.

People are not allowed to engage in, promote, encourage or assist in the carrying out of antisocial behaviour connected to the use of cars and other vehicles. We have current Public Spaces Protection Orders in Leeds connected to the use of vehicles.

It is illegal to let off fireworks after 11pm except on Bonfire Night (5 November), Diwali, New Years Eve and Chinese New Year. If using fireworks to celebrate an event, let your neighbours know so they are aware of the noise to expect.

If you are experiencing issues with firework misuse please contact West Yorkshire Police. 

We cannot deal with noise in the workplace. Contact the Health and Safety Executive.

If a noise nuisance complaint is made about you we will investigate this and where necessary may issue an abatement notice. Councils must look into complaints about noise that could be a statutory nuisance and which is causing substantial and unreasonable interference with the complainant.

You may be able to resolve a noise issue with whoever you believe is responsible before you make a complaint to us. Read our guidance on how to resolve noise nuisance with a neighbour or business.

Bin collections for businesses are carried out by private companies. Contact the company who are responsible for the collections to have them address the noise.

We are not responsible for train or rail noise. Network Rail has guidance about this type of noise.

If you want to complain about aircraft noise or drones, contact the Civil Aviation Authority.

If antisocial behaviour is happening in a street or public area, you can report it to us. Find out what we consider antisocial behaviour and how to report it.

If a noise nuisance complaint is made about you we will investigate this and where necessary may issue an abatement notice. Councils must look into complaints about noise that could be a statutory nuisance and which is causing substantial and unreasonable interference with the complainant.

You may be able to resolve a noise issue with whoever you believe is responsible before you make a complaint to us. Read our guidance on how to resolve noise nuisance with a neighbour or business.

If you think a busker in Leeds is being too loud, please speak to them. If the problem continues, contact our City Centre Management team on city.centre.management@leeds.gov.uk.