Addressing Noise Pollution in Flats and Apartments

Sinead Campbell from London Flats Insurance discusses the work-arounds residents can use to combat noise disturbances, as well as how resident management companies can support their leaseholders in this area.

While city-living is a great option when it comes to convenience, settling down amid the hustle and bustle can have its drawbacks. You may have shops, restaurants and entertainment venues right outside your door, but with that comes noise.

You may expect traffic, crowd noise and music to make its way inside, but you are likely to experience noise from your neighbours too. Close quarter living means shared walls, lots of footsteps, noise from children, pets and parties.

There is a thin line between vibrancy and disturbance – but thousands of residents make it work and enjoy the lifestyle that comes with apartment-living.

How Noise Can Affect Residents

It is important to acknowledge that noise pollution can have a very negative affect of people. For most, the noise experienced in an apartment building will amount to an occasional annoyance. For others, the experience may be genuinely detrimental to their physical and mental health.

Persistent noise can lead to high stress levels and sleep disturbance. We all know that high cortisol levels and persistent exhaustion are awful for overall health. World-wide research has shown that there is a definite link between consistent noise pollution and increased cases of depression and anxiety.

Studies also show that being sleep deprived can alter the activity of the brain, leading to issues with making decisions, solving problems, controlling emotions and behaviour and coping with change. Sleep deficiency has also been linked to depression, suicide and risk-taking behaviour.

So, as you can see, consistent issues with noise should not be ignored or thought of as an acceptable part of living in an apartment. But what can you do to reduce your exposure, or that of your residents?

Residents: What Can Be Done?

If you are a resident yourself, there are a few simple steps you can take to tackle ongoing noise issues, either caused by neighbours or that seep in from outside:

• Earplugs

Investing in high-quality earplugs can help you get the best night’s sleep possible. Obviously, this doesn’t hold anyone to account or help change their behaviour, but it may mean you get the sleep you need to keep yourself well and able to go about your day.

It is a simple solution to night-time disturbances, but it is not ideal for parents or carers who need to be “on duty” at night for those in their care, or for those who find them physically uncomfortable.

• Keep a diary

Keeping a record of each disturbed night, each bout of loud music etc will arm your resident management company with the details they need to be able to raise the issue with the neighbours at fault. It will also give them an insight into the kind of rules they could put in place to combat the behaviour.

• Have a chat

If you are on good terms with your neighbours and feel comfortable knocking on their door, sometimes simply making them aware of the issues you are experiencing is enough. They may not have realised the damage they were doing and appreciate being given a chance to rectify things without the need for any outside input.

Managers: What Can Be Done?

For Resident Management Companies or property managers, severe issues between neighbours or those caused by noise from outside may require significant intervention. Here are some actions you may need to take:

• Soundproofing

If multiple residents are complaining of street or neighbourly noise affecting the enjoyment of their property or their quality of sleep, building-wide soundproofing may be the solution.

Double glazing, thick carpeting and door seals can reduce the occurrence of noise travelling between units, as well as noise coming in from outside. Landscaping can make a surprising difference when it comes to external noise. A well-placed shrub or a wall of hedges can dampen road noise significantly.

For any communal spaces in the building, adding soft furnishings or lining shelves with books can help reduce echo and stop noise travelling so far from these areas. Soft-close doors and drawers can also be a great addition.

• Building Rules

Based on the feedback received from residents, building-wide rules and subsequent enforcement may be the answer. Setting “quiet hours” for neighbours to respect can be very helpful. These should be reasonable and possibly slightly relaxed at weekends.

• Community Engagement

As part of your community engagement strategy, you should be highlighting the effects of noise disturbance and re-iterating the building rules. Encouraging a culture of mindfulness around noise pollution can have a great effect.

• Quiet Spaces

If you have the space and budget available, providing a truly sound-proofed quiet room for reading or a peaceful seating area in the garden can offer excellent respite.

• Remain Empathetic

While some noise is to be expected when living in a block of flats, continuous disturbance can be hugely detrimental. Always listen with understanding and empathy when residents make a complaint. Your understanding and willingness to help may go a long way with a stressed, sleep-deprived resident.

Harmony in a Hive of Activity

Managing noise pollution in flats and apartments is not always simple, but it is crucial. Residents will have invested a huge amount, both emotionally and financially, into their units and they have the right to peaceful enjoyment. With the right approach, residents and managers can work together to create an oasis of calm in the heart of the city’s hustle and bustle.

For more information, please contact a member of the London Flats Insurance team on 020 7993 3034.