Resolve residential noise issues
Before taking formal steps to complain about noise, you should try talking to your neighbour to work towards an appropriate solution.
When you need to do this
If you’re affected by noise from your neighbours, such as amplified music, musical instruments, animals, power tools or other domestic equipment.
Entertainment noise from licensed premises
Licensed premises include pubs, clubs, small bars, restaurants, cafes and other entertainment venues that supply and sell alcohol.
From 1 July 2024, complaints about entertainment noise from licensed premises need to be reported to Liquor & Gaming NSW. Follow the steps to resolve your concerns.
What you need to do
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Try to resolve the problem through mediation
In many instances, issues about noise can be resolved by speaking to the person or business creating the noise. Often the person making the noise isn’t aware they’re causing a problem and will quickly fix the situation.
You can approach a person or business by talking to them directly or dropping off a letter in their mailbox. Sometimes it may be necessary to report a noise issue, however issues are often quite complex, involving multiple parties and can be difficult to resolve quickly.
Be tactful when bringing the complaint to their notice. Your neighbour might not realise there is a problem or they may be sensitive about issues such as barking dogs.
If mediation is unsuccessful there are some other avenues you can follow.
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Contact us
If you’re still unable to resolve the matter, you can contact us about a noise impact from another residence. For ongoing noise issues, we may ask you to complete a noise diary. If this is necessary, we’ll discuss this and issue one to you.
We usually won’t act to address a matter simply because a complaint is made. We can only assist and act on your behalf if the presence of offensive noise or a breach of regulations is witnessed and is deemed to have an impact.
When to call NSW Police
There are some situations where it’s not possible for us to respond or we’re not best placed to assist.
Antisocial behaviour, large parties, issues in the public way and other situations that we’re not legally authorised to deal with or may present a physical danger to our employees, should be brought to the attention of NSW Police.
If you need assistance with a non-emergency noise issue, you can report it on the NSW Police Assistance Line on 131 444
Other noise issues may be emergencies or dangerous situations. For example, street racing, assault and domestic and family violence should be immediately reported to NSW Police on triple zero (000).
Before you start
If you’re affected by offensive noise, you can also seek a noise abatement order yourself. By acting independently of the City of Sydney, you can lodge your own evidence of the noise impact.
Visit the NSW EPA website for more details.
Strata schemes
The Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 sets out a process for resolving disputes. This includes mediation and formal orders by the strata schemes adjudicator and/or the residential tribunal.
Under the act, each strata must have a set of by-laws. The model by-law concerning noise provides that “an owner or occupier must not make noise at any time within their lot or on common property that is likely to disturb peaceful enjoyment of another resident or anyone using common property”.
The best approach for resolving a noise dispute within a strata scheme is to try to talk to your neighbour first.
You can speak to the owners corporation or the residential tribunal if that isn’t successful.
If the noise continues, you can apply for mediation through the NSW Department of Fair Trading or contact us to request assistance.
Time restrictions for various noise sources
| Noise source | Time restrictions for using noisy equipment at a residential premises where they can be heard in the living area of neighbouring properties |
|---|---|
| Power tools, swimming pool and spa pumps, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, chain saws and heat pump hot water heaters |
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| Musical instruments, radios, sound systems, and public address systems |
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| Air-conditioners |
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| Motor vehicles (except when entering or leaving premises) |
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| Refrigeration units fitted to motor vehicles |
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For after hours complaints
Noise complaints made after hours are referred to our rangers who aim to follow them up as soon as possible. If the situation is complex and difficult to fix, rangers will refer the complaint on for a more thorough investigation.
