NOISE PROBLEMS

Always speak to your neighbour about the problem and see if you can reach a solution. If not, you may find an independent person may help you resolve the problem.

Click here for information about neighbourhood dispute resolution services.

Who can measure noise levels?

Local Government Authorities (Environmental Health Officers) can do noise readings. The measurement name for noise is "decibels". If the noise level is over the limit and interferes with another person, the Council can take action.

Your Local Government Authority can arrange to measure the level of noise.

Local Government Officers also have wide powers to get information.

How can I complain about a noise problem?

If your neighbour is having a rowdy, late night party, try asking them to quieten down. If this does not work, you may have to call the police. If they believe the noise is unreasonable, they can take action. Your Local Government Authority may be called in to measure the noise level.

The same rules apply to regular noisy parties, loud music or televisions, bands playing or practising, machinery, air conditioners, pool pumps and construction noise. If any of these are a problem and talking to your neighbour does not work, write to your Local Government Authority.

Local Governments can prosecute anyone making unreasonable noise or breaching a Local Government Direction or Notice. An Environmental Health Officer will usually first visit the owner of the property where the noise is occurring and advise them of the complaint. If this meeting does not solve the problem, arrangements may be made for noise readings to be taken. This will help work out if the noise is above the limit.

What about a house or car alarm?

The police have powers to inactivate house or car alarms if the alarm is making unreasonable noise and has been sounding for more than 30 minutes.

What can I do about excessive noise from a tavern, night club or pub?

Strict rules apply to the licences of nightclubs, hotels etc about the amount of noise that can be made in residential areas.

A complaint may be made where you believe that:

• the quiet, or good order of the neighbourhood of the licensed property is often disturbed by an activity happening on the property or
• the noise coming from the licensed property is excessively offensive, annoying, disturbing or inconvenient.

Other similar situations involving noise may be covered as well.

The Director of Liquor Licensing's policy for sorting out complaints can be found on the Department of Racing, Gaming & Liquor web site.

If you make a complaint as someone who lives, works or worships near the licensed premises and in some other circumstances, the complaint must be signed by 3 unrelated adults (including you), unless the director approves otherwise.

For more information, visit the Office of Racing, Gaming and Liquor web site.

Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor
Government of Western Australia

Licensing Division Postal Address:
Level 1, 87 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth WA 6004
P.O. Box 6119, East Perth WA 6892
Ph: (08) 9425 1888 or Country callers 1800 634 541

You can also write to your Local Government Authority about this noise problem.

Other types of complaints about noise

If the noise problem you have is not covered here you may find it useful to go to the Department of Environment's website for more information about who handles different sorts of noise complaints.

Click here to visit the Department of Environment web site.

Last Reviewed: August 2008