Garden power tools

Garden power tools such as a leaf blower, lawnmower, hedge trimmer, chainsaw or pressure washer are loud. Often it is the timing that bothers people most: early in the morning, late in the evening or on a Sunday, when the street is otherwise quiet.

Your neighbours are simply looking after their garden and often don’t know when it is awkward for you. Describe what you heard and when, and ask for a small, realistic arrangement, such as not before 9 am or not on Sundays.

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 and leave room for the other person to explain.

What do the rules say?

There is no law in the UK that sets fixed hours for garden power tools. Your council must look into complaints about noise that could be a statutory nuisance, including noise from gardens, if it unreasonably and substantially interferes with the use or enjoyment of your home. Your lease or tenancy agreement may also contain terms about noise.

How to approach it

1. Note a few times which tool you hear, on which day and at what time.

2. Send a friendly message with one specific suggestion, such as not before 9 am.

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

4. Nothing changes? A community mediation service, the managing agent or the council can help.

Tips for your message

Don’t accuse; describe what you notice. A sentence like ‘On weekdays I hear your leaf blower at seven; could you start after nine?’ usually works better than ‘You’re always making a racket in the garden’.

This is general information, not legal advice.