Sound Insulation

Information on where to seek advice about sound insulation

All of us are sometimes bothered by noise – usually other peoples'. Noise can cause problems depending on loud it is, how long it lasts, how often it occurs and what time of day it happens.

In many cases, ‘everyday’ noises are audible between neighbours' homes because the buildings' sound insulation is not up to today's standards.Noise from every day activities include:

• Footsteps
• Dropping objects
• Light switches being turned on / off
• General talking
• Doors closing
• Toilet flushing
• Babies crying
• Children playing
• Kitchen appliances – washing machines, blenders etc.

In cases such as these, the Noise Team cannot help. Case Law from the House of Lords states that noise from the ordinary use of residential premises cannot be considered a nuisance.

Mediation services for neighbours

Mediation can be a solution to the problem (a separate leaflet is available with information concerning Mediation). Council and Housing Association tenants may be able to access this service via their relevant Housing Office. Private tenants and owner-occupiers will have to pay for this service.

Legal requirements

New properties built before 1990, or properties converted before 1992 are not subject to the same standards as if they were built or converted today.

Case Law states that Landlords, Housing Associations, Council Housing Departments or Builders are not liable to upgrade sound insulation within properties built before 1990 or converted before 1992.

Properties built after 1990 or converted after 1992 should meet the current Building Regulations – Approved Document E. This is the minimum standard and does not mean properties will be completely sound proof. If this is the case you should take legal advice.

Further Advice

• You can download the free leaflet Improving sound insulation in your home” and other general information from the Building Research Establishment Phone: 01923 664444. (There is a charge for this leaflet if you phone the BRE to request it).
• The Building Regulations, Approved Document E is downloadable from the website of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

How to contact us...

If you want to make a complaint or need more information, contact us using the details below. If the disturbance is going on now, call our 24-hour hotline & you'll be visited within 45 minutes of making the complaint.

Tel: 020 7525 5777 (24 hours)
Fax: 020 7525 3077
Email: noise@southwark.gov.uk

Address: Noise Team, Environment & Leisure,
The Chaplin Centre,
Thurlow St,
London SE17 2DG
Office hours: 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday