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Noise management policy

Date approved: February 2024
Review date: Under review

See below for the full policy, but please be aware this may include acronyms or technical jargon used internally within Raven. If you have any questions, please contact us.

1. Purpose and scope of the policy

1.1. Noise is an inevitable consequence of a mature and vibrant society. For some the noise of life provides a desirable sense of excitement and exhilaration, but for others noise is an unwanted intrusion that adversely impacts on their quality of life, affecting their health and wellbeing.

1.2. The aim of this document is to provide clarity regarding current policies and practices to enable noise management decisions to be made within the wider context, at the most appropriate level, in a cost-effective manner and in a timely fashion.

1.3. The document seeks to clarify the underlying principles and aims in existing policy documents, legislation and guidance that relate to noise.

1.4. It has been developed following the proposed Social Housing White Paper and guidance from the Housing Ombudsman’s “Spotlight” report introduces a new proactive, consumer regulation regime focused on meeting the needs of tenants regarding the effects on the noise environment of current policies and practices.

2. Detailed policy content

2.1. In general terms, noise nuisance is considered to be any noise that:

  • disrupts or disturbs the peace and quiet of individuals or communities,
  • is unwanted or excessive noise that causes annoyance, inconvenience, or discomfort to those affected by it,
  • occurs at an unreasonable time of day or night, such as late night or early morning,
  • disturbs the quiet enjoyment of a someone’s home.

2.2. Simply because a noise cases a nuisance does not mean the noise falls into the category of Anti-social Behaviour (ASB).

2.3. Raven acknowledges that some noises, including but not limited to the ones listed below, may cause a nuisance to individuals but will not be investigated following Ravens ASB Procedure. However, Raven will keep a record of any reports, offer advice or guidance, where possible, and in some cases offer practical solutions to resolve matters, in accordance with Raven’s Noise Management Procedure;

  • Children Playing
  • Babies Crying
  • Doors opening or closing.
  • DIY Noise – that is taking place at reasonable hours
  • Footfall/Walking
  • Day to day living noise
  • General conversation
  • Hoovering/Household chores

The above are all examples of general living noises and residents are encouraged to be considerate of their neighbours and must accept that reasonable living sounds are to be expected.

2.4. With regard to property related noise, Raven acknowledges that the quality of sound insulation has changed over the years and in older properties or properties built using certain building methods, neighbours may hear more than they want to.

2.5. There may be little Raven can do to resolve these issues as people are entitled to go about their life creating normal amounts of noise, without having to worry about how it affects others. However, Raven will consider the options available when implementing our Noise Management Procedure, and where practical, and in consultation with the customer, acknowledging individuals’ vulnerabilities, look for possible solutions or remedies.

2.6. Where Raven receives reports of noise – this will be recorded on our records, and Raven’s Noise Procedure will be followed. If the noise escalates, indicating deliberate noise or disturbances Raven will expect evidence to be provided to support the allegations, such as incident logs or recordings submitted via the noise app. The matter will then be investigated in accordance with our ASB Procedure.

2.7. When implementing Ravens Noise Management process consideration will be given to any known vulnerabilities of customers and staff will also consider potential practical solutions in accordance with Ravens Safeguarding Polices & procedures.

3. Applicability

3.1. Raven Housing Trust (RHT) is responsible for managing its own housing stock including the maintenance, management and letting of its properties and estates.

3.2. RHT also work in partnerships with other organisations to manage housing stock on their behalf.

3.3. This policy will be implemented on all of RHT’s owned stock and principles will be implemented where possible on the stock it managed for other organisation.

3.4. This Policy is applicable to all members of Raven Staff

4. Definitions

4.1. For the purpose of this Policy Ravens definition of noise is; Unwanted sound, especially anything that is loud or unpleasant, or causes ongoing disturbances

5. Related policies and references for more information

6. Implementation procedures

6.1. Reference to detailed procedures that are available in order to carry out the intent of the policy.

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