We would not consider this to be anti-social behaviour.

Play is an essential part of every child's life and is vital for the enjoyment of childhood as well as their health, well-being and development.

Although some types of behaviour can be annoying, children playing in the street or communal gardens is not anti-social behaviour, unless they are in non-designated areas and/or causing to damage to property.

All tenants are responsible for their children and visitors’ behaviour within internal communal areas. You should ensure that they are not causing a nuisance to other neighbours whilst in communal areas. This can be reported via our ASB online form.

Read our top tips below for reducing noise in the home to minimise disturbance to neighbours.

This would only be considered anti-social behaviour if the noise is persistent*.

• You may want to have a friendly word with your neighbour as they may not be aware you can hear them. We’ve put together some tips to help you resolve problems with neighbours.
• If you still feel you are being disturbed, we suggest you contact the dog warden at your local Council. Should they take enforcement action, we will use this as evidence against the perpetrator if appropriate.
• If the situation has not improved, mediation might be of help to you. It’s an informal, confidential and independent service available to help neighbours sort out their differences and reach an agreement. They can help you and your neighbour(s) understand each other’s point of view and reach a solution. Please ask and we will refer you.
• If the behaviour is persistent (continuous periods lasting over 30 minutes a day for at least 5 days within one week) and you do not feel safe approaching your neighbour, or you have tried and the situation has not improved, once you have contacted the local Dog Warden please complete our diary sheets with dates and times of the incidents.

*'Persistent' means continuous periods lasting over 30 minutes a day for at least 5 days within one week.

How to make a report

If you have concerns about the welfare of a pet, you should contact the Councils Animal Welfare Officer. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/animal-welfare

If you want to report persistent noise from dog barking, please use our online ASB form.

Read our top tips for reducing noise in the home to minimise disturbance to neighbours.

We would not usually consider this to be anti-social behaviour.

• We would suggest you have a friendly word with your neighbour first as they may not be aware they are disturbing you. We've put together a some tips to help you resolve issues with neighbours.
• If you still feel you are being disturbed, we suggest you contact the local Environmental Health Officer. Should they take enforcement action, we will use this as evidence against the perpetrator if appropriate.
• If the situation does not improve, mediation might be of help to you. It’s an informal, confidential and independent service available to help neighbours sort out their differences and reach an agreement. They can help you and your neighbour(s) understand each other’s point of view and reach a solution.
• If the behaviour is persistent* during the day OR during the night-time**, and you do not feel safe approaching your neighbour, or you have tried and the situation has not improved, once you have contacted the local Environmental Health Officer, please complete our diary sheets with dates and times of the incidents.

Is it a good idea to inform your neighbours of the work you are carrying out and how long you expect it to take. Where possible inform them in advance of noisy DIY work. Complaints can be avoided if you communicate with your neighbour in advance.

*'Persistent' means the disturbance lasts for continuous periods of over 30 minutes a day for at least 5 days within one week.

**Night-time – after 11pm and before 7am

How to make a report

• If you want to report persistent noise, please use our report ASB online form, you can attach your completed diary sheets when you make your report.
• If you believe that a business is being run from the property, please report this using our general enquiry form.

Read our top tips for reducing noise in the home to minimise disturbance to neighbours.

We want everyone to enjoy living in their home and would ask that residents are both considerate and tolerant.

• We would suggest you have a friendly word with your neighbour first as they may not be aware they are disturbing you. We've put together some tips to help you resolve problems with neighbours.
• If you still feel you are being disturbed, we suggest you contact the Noise Control team at your local Council. Should they take enforcement action, we will use this as evidence against the perpetrator if appropriate.
• If the situation has not improved, mediation might be of help to you. It’s an informal, confidential and independent service available to help neighbours sort out their differences and reach an agreement. They can help you and your neighbour(s) understand each other’s point of view and reach a solution. Please ask and can consider if suitable and make a referral.
• If the behaviour is persistent during the day OR during the night-time**, and you do not feel safe approaching your neighbour, or you have tried and the situation has not improved, once you have contacted the local Environmental Health Officer, please complete our diary sheets with dates and times of the incidents.

**Night-time – after 11pm and before 7am

How to make a report

• If you want to report noise, please use our report ASB online form, you can attach your completed diary sheets when you make your report.

Read our top tips for reducing noise in the home to minimise disturbance to neighbours.

We would not usually consider this to be anti-social behaviour.

• You may want to have a friendly word with your neighbour as they may not be aware you can hear them. We’ve put together some tips to help you resolve problems with neighbours.
• If you still feel you are being disturbed, we suggest you contact the noise control team at your local Council. Should they take enforcement action, we will use this as evidence against the perpetrator if appropriate.
• If the situation has not improved, mediation might be of help to you. It’s an informal, confidential and independent service available to help neighbours sort out their differences and reach an agreement. They can help you and your neighbour(s) understand each other’s point of view and reach a solution. Please ask and we will refer you.
• If the behaviour is persistent (continuous periods lasting over 30 minutes a day for at least 5 days within one week) and you do not feel safe approaching your neighbour, or you have tried and the situation has not improved, once you have contacted the local Environmental Health Officer, please complete our diary sheets with dates and times of the incidents.

If you have an immediate concern for someone’s safety, you should contact the PSNI immediately.

If you have concerns about the welfare of an adult or child in the household, you should contact the PSNI.

Read our top tips for reducing noise in the home to minimise disturbance to neighbours.

We would not consider sounds relating to 'general living' as anti-social behaviour.

'General living' includes noise such as vacuuming, walking around, doors opening/closing, general conversations, footsteps, children playing etc.

• You may want to have a friendly word with your neighbour as they may not be aware you can hear them. We’ve put together some tips to help you resolve problems with neighbours.
• If you still feel you are being disturbed, you may wish to contact the local Noise Control team at your local Council. Should they take enforcement action, we will use this as evidence against the perpetrator if appropriate.
• If you feel this continues to be persistent behaviour you can report if via our general reporting form for the Housing Officer to review.

Read our top tips for reducing noise in the home to minimise disturbance to neighbours.

Noise from neighbours is a common source of disturbance. The most frequent reports are about loud music, dogs barking, banging doors and DIY activities. Remember that no house or flat is totally soundproof. We must all live within the constraints of our individual properties. Gardens tend to offer minimal sound insulation so your activities can have a greater impact on neighbours. Everyone can expect some noise from the people who live around them and we ask that you are tolerant of this.

Here are some tips for reducing noise in the home to minimise disturbance to neighbours.

Alarms

Alarms are designed to make a noise – however misfiring alarms can be a very disturbing and annoying.

• If you are installing additional alarms ensure you choose a reliable product and ensure it’s serviced regularly.
• Any alarms installed by Radius will be serviced as required.

DIY

DIY jobs – such as drilling and hammering can create a lot of noise.

• Whenever possible, let your neighbours know that you are undertaking noisy work and try to work during normal waking hours
• Carry out the noisiest tasks in the middle of the day – if you must start early, do quieter jobs first.
• Keep tools well maintained and use lower/quieter settings on power tools where feasible. Where possible use hand tools.

Garden noise

Our gardens are a place to rest, relax and play. Remember that any noise you make in your garden will be heard by your neighbours.

• Try and carry out noisy activities in the middle of the day for example cutting your grass or hedge.
• Where possible purchase quieter equipment and maintain your equipment properly.
• If a child’s toy or game is extremely noisy, try and find quieter alternatives.
• If you have visitors in your garden please be mindful of your neighbours.

People

• Take care when closing doors – particularly if you live in a flat with a shared entrance – and particularly late at night and early in the morning.
• Cupboard doors can also be annoying – particularly if the units are fixed to party walls. Avoid slamming doors. Inexpensive adhesive furniture pads can be a very effective way of reducing noise by sticking these to the inside of the cupboard door or around an internal door frame.
• When considering floor coverings, we ask that residents in flats do not lay laminate flooring. Laminate flooring will significantly increase the noise your neighbour in the property below experiences.
• You are responsible for all visitors to your home, including children. This includes their behaviour in communal areas.

Loud music

Music tastes vary so do not assume just because you like a song your neighbour will want to hear it as well.

• With amplified sound, keep the volume down, especially the bass which can be more annoying than higher frequencies. Don’t put speakers on or close to party walls, ceilings or floors.
• If you have a bedroom TV, keep it quiet at night – especially if your bedroom adjoins someone else’s.
• If playing an instrument, practice where and when it will have least impact on neighbours.
• Consider where possible the use of headphones.
• Be mindful of open windows

Pets

• Dogs bark – but only bark a lot if they are not content. If you must leave your dog alone, make sure it’s well exercised and fed. Some dogs like a low-level radio or TV for company, or get a friend or neighbour to look in. If your dog continues to bark, consider dog training.
• Cats can wail and fight – as they are independent, they can be difficult to manage – however if a neighbour complains about your cat at least try and keep it in at night.
• If you have a caged bird that likes to sing and squawk, make sure it’s kept where it will least disturb neighbours, particularly at night.
• Some caged pets tend to be more active at night -chewing and rattling their cages. Consider carefully where and how such pets are housed.

Household appliances

• When buying new appliances, buy a quieter model – not all models have a noise rating, but look out for the “Quiet Mark”. Where possible, position them to cause the least disturbance to your neighbour.
• For washing machines, if possible, place on an even floor; do not overload and run the machine at a time when it will least disturb neighbours – remember the final spin is the noisiest bit.
• Do the vacuuming at a reasonable time – especially if you live in a flat or terrace, avoid early morning or late night cleaning sprees.
• In the kitchen, avoid banging pans and cupboard doors and don’t use blenders/grinders on surfaces attached to party walls.

Entering / leaving your home

• Avoid slamming front doors or communal entrance doors, particularly late at night or early morning.
• If expecting a visitor/taxi, ask them to knock rather than sound the horn and try not to slam your door or car doors.