Washing machine and tumble dryer

In a flat or a house with wooden floors, a washing machine or tumble dryer on its spin cycle often carries further than you would think. The vibration travels through floors and walls, so your neighbours often don’t realise how loud it is at your place.

Describe what you hear or feel yourself and what it means for you. Ask for a small, realistic change, such as an anti-vibration mat under the machine or no washing after an agreed 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 and leave room for the other person to explain.

What do the rules say?

There is no law in the UK that says what time you may do your washing; a washing machine is normally treated as ordinary domestic noise. 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 frequent, long spin cycles at night.

How to approach it

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

2. Send a friendly message with one specific suggestion, such as an anti-vibration mat or a set finishing time.

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 ‘When your washing machine is on its spin cycle, we can feel it in our bedroom; could we look at what might help?’ usually works better than ‘Your washing machine is far too noisy’.

This is general information, not legal advice.