A new homeowner has turned to the internet for advice after growing frustrated with what they describe as 'rude' and 'unreasonable' demands from their elderly neighbour regarding noise levels. The resident, who purchased their first house this summer, shared their ordeal on Reddit's r/neighborsfromhell forum, explaining that the neighbour goes to bed at around 7pm and complains about normal activities such as using a hot tub or talking at a normal volume.
The homeowner recounted an incident where they had friends over at 8.30pm on a Friday night. After briefly showing guests the garden, the neighbour opened his window and began screaming at them to be quiet. The resident noted that city law permits reasonable noise before 10pm and that they do not believe their behaviour is unreasonable, but they worry that yielding to the neighbour's tirades may have set a precedent.
Commenters on the forum offered various suggestions, ranging from humorous to practical. One person jokingly recommended using an air horn when the neighbour opens his window, while another advised presenting the neighbour with a copy of the city's noise bylaws and threatening to report him for harassment. A third commenter suggested simply ignoring the neighbour's outbursts, as he may be seeking a reaction.
In the UK, noise can be classified as a statutory nuisance under Part III of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 if it unreasonably interferes with the use or enjoyment of a home or injures health. This applies to noise from dwellings, gardens, and machinery, but not general traffic or aircraft noise. Local councils have powers to investigate and take action against such nuisances.
