Nuisance neighbours

Before contacting the Council, try and talk to the person making the noise. If you don't feel like you can talk to them write them a letter.

They may respond better to a polite word or letter from you rather than a visit from a council official.

Here is a Sample letter to send to your neighbour which includes some of the points that you could use.

If that doesn't work, start filling out a noise nuisance diary. The diary will help the Council decide how to deal with the noise. Here is a Complaints record sheet template you can use.

Contact us if you would like to discuss this, or need help to plan the best way to do it.

This can prove effective in finding long-term solutions to neighbour issues and it can avoid the possible unpleasantness that may arise if the council becomes involved and has to take formal action.

Yorkshire Mediation is an independent organisation offers a confidential dispute resolution service across Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield. Contact them if you think you would benefit from mediation.

If you live in a house managed by the council, or if the problems come from a council tenant, action may be taken under the terms of the tenancy agreement. Homes and Neighbourhoods will be able to give you advice on this: Contact Homes and Neighbourhoods

Similar action may be taken by registered social landlords if their tenants are in breach of tenancy conditions.

We can investigate complaints of nuisance where activity at one property affects people living nearby.

How to complain to us

Fill in our simple online form.

Clock Completing this form takes around 10 minutes.

Paperclip We are unable to investigate anonymous complaints. If you make a complaint your details are kept confidential. See how we use your data.

Report noise, bonfires and other pollution

After you've reported

We will visit your neighbour and/or write to them telling them we have received a complaint and explain their responsibilities about nuisance. We do not tell them the name of the person who has complained at this stage.

If the problem continues

• We will ask you to keep written records which help us to try to witness the problem and enable us to take formal action. You can record them on this Complaints record sheet. Make sure you record:
  • the date
  • start and finish times
  • description of the nuisance
  • where it is coming from
  • how if affects you
• Formal action may be by a legal notice and ultimately prosecution.

If the case goes to court

• We may require you to be a witness and may not be able to keep the complaint anonymous.
• You may have to give evidence in a court of law against the person causing the problem.

You could use a solicitor to write a letter on your behalf to the person causing the problem or to give you legal advice.

You can take your own legal action in the Magistrates' Court. We have an information booklet about how to do this. Contact us if you would like a copy of it.

The Police deal with certain types of neighbour problems such as those involving violence, or threatening behaviour.