Poor sound insulation is a huge problem. It is not so much that the neighbours are noisy, simply that the sound insulation is so bad that you can hear just about every sound that they make.

What can I do about poor sound insulation?

This is one of the most difficult problems of all – for details see Sound Insulation Information Sheet. The Government has shown no interest in improving sound insulation between properties. There is no requirement on social housing landlords – local authorities or, increasingly, housing associations – or on private landlords to improve the sound insulation in their properties. And these are the places where insulation is usually at its worst.

All this means that it is very difficult indeed for any individual to get something done, but there are suggestions that you can make to your landlord:

1. First of all, try to get them to install proper sound insulation throughout the flats. If you can work through a tenants or residents group and get some sort of petition going, so much the better.

2. Try to stick together with the other tenants and residents. Try not to blame them for the noise when the basic problem is that the landlord refuses to improve the property.

3. If the landlord argues that it is too expensive to insulate every room and every wall, try to persuade him/her to at least insulate the key areas.

4. If you get no joy at all, form a small action group, contact your MP and make a fuss in the media (see How to Campaign Effectively Briefing Sheet).

Useful Contacts:

Sound Reduction Systems Ltd

Building Research Establishment

Insulation Installers (UK Directory)

UK Noise Association, PO BOX 551

Chatham, Kent ME4 9AJ

Tel: 01634 863 852 www.ukna.org.uk info@ukna.org.uk

Briefing Sheets: Poor Sound Insulation—What Can I Do?