Practising an instrument

A neighbour practising the piano, drums, guitar, a wind instrument or singing mainly hears their own playing. At your end it often comes across differently: the thump of a bass drum or piano pedal through the floor, or the same passage through the wall, often at the same time every day.

Practising is part of normal life. So describe what you hear yourself and what it means for you, and ask for a realistic arrangement, such as set practice times, damping under the instrument or headphones after a certain time.

The example messages and the incident diary help you talk this through calmly and keep track of what you agree. Only use facts you know, don’t judge the playing and leave room for the other person to explain.

What do the rules say?

There is no law in the UK that says when or for how long you may play an instrument at home. Your lease or tenancy agreement may contain terms about noise and quiet hours. Noise from a home can be a statutory nuisance if it unreasonably and substantially interferes with your home, for example loud playing for hours every day or late at night.

How to approach it

1. Note a few times when you hear it, how long it lasts, which instrument and in which room.

2. Send a friendly message with one specific suggestion, such as set practice times or headphones after 8 pm.

3. Agree a date to check together whether it helps.

4. No change? Your landlord, managing agent or a community mediation service can help.

Tips for your message

Don’t accuse; describe what you notice. A sentence like ‘It’s great that you play, but after nine we can hear it clearly in our bedroom; could we agree some times together?’ usually works better than ‘Your practising is unbearable’.

This is general information, not legal advice.