Handling Noise Complaints in NSW Strata

Noise complaints can be very challenging for a strata committee to manage. The core issue is that people live close together, and a balance must be struck between residents' freedom to enjoy and live comfortably in their own property, and other residents' right to peace and quiet, free from ongoing nuisance. This document looks at what constitutes a noise complaint, how to handle complaints, and how to reduce their number.

1. What Causes Noise Complaints

The most common complaint in a strata environment is noise from another unit. This is often simply the result of daily living, such as walking on hard floors – hard floors transmit more noise to downstairs neighbours, which can be challenging depending on the building. Other common causes include:

• Loud music and parties.
• Running washing machines or vacuum cleaners at unexpected hours, when other residents would be sleeping.
• Noisy cars – including sound systems or modifications.
• Dogs barking at all hours of the night.
• Noisy renovations.

2. Is the Noise a Nuisance?

Determining whether a particular noise counts as a nuisance can be complex, as several different sets of laws and regulations may apply:

• State laws – the Protection of the Environment Operations (Noise Control) Regulation 2026 is the latest state law governing noise generally, having come into effect on 28 August 2026.
• Section 153 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 – specifies that strata residents have a right to peaceful occupation of their property, and that noise can constitute a nuisance.
• Local council regulations – councils may have their own noise regulations that should also be considered.
• Strata bylaws – your own strata scheme can set specific bylaws about what noise is or is not acceptable.

Residents should be complying with all of these applicable sets of regulations.

3. Dealing With a Complaint

Step 1 – Check communication has occurred. The first question to ask any complainant is what communication has already taken place with the party they are complaining about. Often, one neighbour is simply unaware that their noise is affecting another resident – it may sound perfectly normal within their own apartment. Communication between residents goes a long way toward resolving the issue.

Step 2 – Review legislation and bylaws. If residents cannot resolve the matter between themselves, the next step is to review all applicable legislation, regulations and bylaws to determine whether the noise breaches any of them. This can be challenging, and requires records and evidence of the noise. In borderline cases, an acoustic consultant may be needed to determine whether the noise falls within acceptable limits.

Step 3 – Escalate if a breach is found. If a breach of bylaws has occurred, the strata committee can issue a notice to comply, and may be able to issue fines. If the noise also breaches council or state regulations, council or police can be engaged to assist.

A challenge here is that noise often occurs late at night, when strata committee members are not around – meaning the complaining resident may need to contact council or police directly to resolve the issue immediately.

Step 4 – Mediation. If there is no resolution and the issue continues over the long term, free mediation is available through NSW Fair Trading.

Where the noise is caused by tenants rather than owners, this can ultimately become grounds for eviction, which can be threatened as a last resort. Resolving noise disputes is rarely quick or easy, and tempers can run high.

4. Reducing the Number of Complaints

The strata committee, on behalf of the owners' corporation, can take a number of steps to reduce conflict and help residents live closely together with minimal friction over noise.

Review and Strengthen Bylaws

Ensure bylaws are clear about noise requirements in the property. This could include:

1. Specifying quiet hours.
2. Specifying acceptable noise levels (e.g. a decibel limit).
3. Setting hours during which renovation and construction work can occur.
4. Identifying penalties for repeated or serious breaches.
5. Specifying flooring requirements and the renovation approval process (see our separate article on renovations within your private lot).

Education

Bylaws are far more effective when residents know they exist. Useful approaches include:

• Signage on shared property outlining hours of use or hours for noisy activity.
• A welcome pack for all new tenants and owners, summarising the key bylaw requirements.

Practical Solutions

Simple practical measures can help both parties manage noise issues, including:

• Carpets and rugs placed over hard flooring.
• Felt pads and casters under furniture, to prevent scraping noises when furniture is moved (e.g. chairs after dinner).
• Sealing gaps around doors or windows, or adding soundproofing.

Questions may arise over who bears the cost of these measures, but they remain useful options to consider when resolving an ongoing conflict.

A Firm Complaints Process

Some noise complaints are inevitable. Having a firm, consistent process for managing them makes handling each case easier:

• Require a written complaint, supported by evidence and logs (dates, times, duration and type of noise).
• Encourage informal first steps – discussion and communication between residents to reach a compromise.
• If noise continues, apply a set number of friendly reminders.
• Follow with a formal notice to comply.
• Where breaches continue, apply penalties as permitted under your bylaws.
• If there is still no resolution, refer the matter to government mediation via NSW Fair Trading.

Conclusion

Helping strata residents live together in agreement is an ongoing challenge. A strata manager can assist by reviewing bylaws, communicating with residents, diligently managing the complaints process, and generally supporting the committee in building a happy and peaceful strata.