Noise in a shared house
Noise is the most common shared-house complaint. A few agreed habits prevent most of it.
Agree quiet hours
- Check your agreement for house rules, then agree late-night and early-morning expectations with housemates.
- Remember some people work nights or early shifts; see shift work in a shared house; for rest, see sleeping well in a shared house.
Everyday habits
- Use headphones for music, TV and gaming late at night.
- Close doors gently and keep speakers away from shared walls.
- Keep calls and visitors quiet; see guests and visitors.
If noise is a problem
Speak to the housemate calmly and early, and suggest a specific change. If it continues, tell the landlord in writing. See living with housemates.
This is general information, not legal advice. See how renting with us works.
Common questions
Are there official quiet hours in a shared house?
Not by default. Some agreements or house rules set them, so check yours, and otherwise agree sensible hours with housemates.
What should I do if a housemate is too noisy?
Talk to them calmly and early, suggest a specific change, and tell the landlord if it carries on.
How can I reduce noise myself?
Use headphones, close doors gently, keep speakers off shared walls and avoid loud tasks late at night.