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Light from neighbours: direction, duration and agreements
An outdoor or motion-activated light may shine directly into your bedroom. How can you reduce the disturbance while keeping your neighbour’s entrance safe?
Often, the main problem is not the presence of a lamp, but the direction, strength or duration. First describe where the light falls and ask to test a setting together.
The local rules and reporting routes below apply in England.
Which light is disturbing at which moments?
Make a note of when the light goes on, how long it lasts, and which part of your home is lit. Does the light stay on continuously or does a sensor turn on again and again? Distinguish between light that you see and a beam that hits your room directly.
Name the consequence, for example, waking up or having to close the curtains to sit quietly. A photo can illustrate the problem, but automatic exposure does not always accurately reflect brightness.
What could be the cause of the nuisance?
A fitting may point too high, a sensor may pick up passing traffic or branches, or the timer may keep the light on longer than needed. Ask whether your neighbour has seen the effect from your side.
Agree which area needs lighting. Their doorway or path should remain safely lit while unnecessary light into your home is reduced.
How do you request an adjustment?
A calm opening
“The outdoor light shines straight into our bedroom and keeps coming on at night. Could we test its angle and sensor settings together one evening?”
Test one setting
Give feedback from the same position in the affected room. Change one thing at a time: angle, shielding, sensor range or how long the light stays on. Let the owner make adjustments safely and note what improves.
What tools are useful?
Direction or shielding
Use a fitting or shield designed for the light and location. Improvised covers may overheat or affect safe operation; ask an installer if unsure.
Sensor and timer
Follow the manual to adjust detection range and the time the light stays on. Check whether repeated triggering reduces. Use an installer for electrical work or unclear settings.
Less light wherever possible
If the area still has enough light, try a lower output and check the result from both homes.
Which rules apply in England?
In England, a council can investigate artificial light from premises if it may amount to a statutory nuisance. The direction, timing and effect inside your home are relevant.
Where can you get help in England?
Ask the neighbour to angle the fitting down, shield it or shorten the timer. If the light still affects a room you use, send your council’s environmental health team a short record and photos taken from inside your own home.
Sources and review date
Guide reviewed on 7 November 2026.
GOV.UK — Artificial light nuisance complaints
If the problem is reflected sunlight
Glare from glazing or solar panels needs a separate assessment. Record the season, time, duration and affected room, and ask the owner or installer to investigate. Reflected sunlight is not automatically covered by the statutory-nuisance route for artificial light.
Keep the next step manageable
Use the free incident diary for a few representative observations, any agreement and improvements. If you need outside help, see Who can help. State what happened, what you have tried and what you are asking the recipient to do. You do not have to keep approaching the neighbour if contact feels unsafe.
Would you like to write to your neighbours?
On the situation page you can see the CalmNotes bundle, its contents and the other support options.