We understand that as well as studying for your future, part of the student experience is making new social connections and having fun. It is important to understand your responsibility as a tenant in relation to noise. The effect of sustained noise nuisance is significant and can impact negatively on mental health and wellbeing.

For noise to count as a statutory nuisance it must do one of the following:

• unreasonably and substantially interfere with the use or enjoyment of a home or other premises
• injure health or be likely to injure health

Legislation is very clear and states that: Between the hours of 23:00 and 07:00, classed as ‘night hours’ there should be no noise heard from within the room it is made in.

At all other times noise should be kept to a ‘reasonable level’ that is, not impacting on others.

Tenants are responsible for their behaviour and the behaviour of their visitors, and should be mindful of others, both within the accommodation and also within the wider community. If you are respectful of others they are more likely to be respectful when you need quiet time to study.

We understand, particularly in shared properties, there is going to be an element of noise that is unavoidable. When returning home from a night out it is important to be respectful. After a few drinks it is very easy to become loud and not be aware of it.

DO

• Try to close doors quietly
• Remove your shoes when you get home
• Use your ‘inside’ voice
• Remind guests to be quiet too

DON'T

• Try to replicate your favourite nightclub/bar in your accommodation
• Have a sing-a-long, karaoke, loud music or games when you get home
• Don’t invite lots of people back for ‘after’ drinks
• Don’t invite people you don’t know - you are responsible for their behaviour

Whilst it is tempting to retaliate with your own loud music, most problems related to noise can be resolved by speaking to the individuals involved. It is unwise to do this if you or the persons involved have been drinking. Likewise, the issue is unlikely to be resolved if angry notes are left or comments made on social media. Refer to the ‘How to Communicate’ page for tips or contact tenancysupport@unipol.org.uk.