Living considerately in a flat or apartment

We want everyone to feel comfortable and enjoy their home, no matter where they live. Living in a flat or apartment means sharing walls, ceilings, floors, and communal spaces with your neighbours. Everyday sounds can travel more easily, so being mindful of noise helps everyone feel comfortable and at home. Below we have created a collection of simple tips and tricks, click through each category to learn more.

Everyday noise

Some noise is part of normal everyday life, but there are a few small changes that can make a big difference:

  • Keep TVs, radios, and music at a reasonable volume, especially in the evening
  • Use headphones where possible
  • Avoid slamming doors, cupboards, or drawers
  • Place rugs or carpets on hard floors to reduce noise travelling below
  • Lift furniture rather than dragging it across the floor
  • Avoid using appliances such as tumble dryers and washing machines late in the evening or at night.

Quiet hours

Noise is more noticeable at certain times of the day. Please be especially considerate:

  • Late evening and night – keep noise low so others can sleep
  • Early mornings – avoid loud activities that may disturb neighbours
  • Weekends and bank holidays – remember people may be resting or working shifts

If you’re unsure if something might be noisy, it is usually best to be cautious just in case.

DIY, moving furniture and repairs

Home improvements and home DIY can sometimes be disruptive, so please:

  • Only carry out DIY, drilling, or repairs during reasonable daytime hours
  • Avoid noisy work early in the morning or late in the evening
  • Let neighbours know in advance if work may be noisy or take some time

Communal areas and shared spaces

Communal spaces should be welcoming and comfortable for everyone:

  • Keep voices low in corridors, stairwells, and lifts
  • Do not play music or use speakers in shared areas
  • Close communal doors gently
  • Be mindful of noise when coming home late at night

We have a dedicated web page filled with everything you need to know about communal areas, including safety and how to report a problem in your communal area, the services you might see in communal areas and information about our Communal Areas Policy.

Children and play

Children naturally make noise while playing. Where possible:

  • Encourage quieter activities indoors, especially in the evening
  • Use soft play mats or rugs
  • Be aware of running or jumping that may disturb neighbours below

Open communication with neighbours can help manage expectations and avoid misunderstandings.

Pets

If you have a pet, please make sure:

  • Barking or noise is kept under control
  • Pets are not left for long periods if they become noisy when alone
  • Noise late at night or early in the morning is minimised

Talking to your neighbours and working together

Often, noise issues can be resolved by a friendly conversation:

  • Let your neighbour know politely if noise is affecting you
  • Be open to feedback if someone raises a concern with you
  • Try to resolve issues calmly and respectfully

If you feel unable to speak to your neighbour directly, our team can offer advice and support.

Being a considerate neighbour helps build a more pleasant, respectful community for everyone. Thank you for doing your part to keep your building a comfortable place to live.

If you need further guidance or are experiencing ongoing noise issues, please contact us for support.