Guide to Residential Noise Restrictions in Strata by State

Living in a strata community means some level of noise is unavoidable. However, loud and excessive noise can quickly disrupt the peace and harmony of your communal environment, creating tension and frustration among residents. 

If noisy neighbours are causing you distress, there are some practical steps you can take to address the issue. This guide will explore strata noise restrictions in Australia and how to address a strata noise complaint in your state. 

State-Specific Noise Restrictions

New South Wales NSW

In New South Wales (NSW), noise restrictions for strata complexes are governed by the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 and the Protection of the Environment Operations (POEO) Noise Control Regulation 2017. 

Permissible Noise Levels

Noise regulations in strata schemes in New South Wales are guided by strata by-laws and local council noise control regulations. While each strata scheme may have specific rules outlined in its by-laws, the general expectation is that all residents should have the right to peaceful enjoyment of their homes without disruption from excessive noise.

Common sources of noise complaints include barking dogs, loud music, power tools, construction activities, and alarms. Noise levels and permissible times for these activities are often governed by your local council, which enforces guidelines under the Protection of the Environment Operations (Noise Control) Regulation 2017.

To ensure compliance with noise standards:

• Check your strata by-laws for any noise restrictions specific to your complex.
• Refer to your local council for regulations on permissible noise levels and times for activities like construction, power tools, and loud music.

Noise Complaint Process 

Most strata noise complaints can be resolved by speaking to the resident. If this doesn’t work, you may contact the strata committee or owners corporation to mediate the issue and remind the resident of the strata by-laws. 

If the issue isn’t fixed, you or the owners corporation may contact NSW Fair Trading, which offers a free mediation service. 

Learn more about strata and insurance in New South Wales.

Victoria VIC

Strata noise restrictions in Victoria are governed by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), local council policies, Victoria Police, and strata by-laws. 

Permissible Noise Levels

VIC’s quiet hours are as follows:

• Friday: before 7 am–and after 11 pm
• Saturday and public holidays: before 9am and after 11pm
• Sunday: before 9 am and after 10 pm

Any excessive noise outside these hours can incur penalties, including an on the spot fine. 

Time Restrictions for Loud Noises (e.g. mowing, music, etc.)

Certain activities may be permitted outside of prohibited times. For example, lawnmowers, power tools, and musical instruments can generally be used during weekdays from 7 am to 11 pm, and on weekends and public holidays from 9 am to midnight, depending on the activity and local council regulations. 

Noise Complaint Process 

To make a noise complaint in a strata complex in Victoria, you can talk directly to your neighbour and politely ask them to turn the noise down. If this fails to resolve the issue, you can contact your strata manager or committee who will then consult with the neighbour and remind them of the applicable by-laws. If this still doesn’t resolve the issue, you can apply for mediation through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). Additionally, loud parties or prolonged, excessive noise can be reported to the Victorian Police or your local council. 

Learn more about strata and insurance in Victoria.

Queensland QLD

Strata noise restrictions in Queensland are managed by the Environmental Protection Act 1994, local councils and Queensland Police, and strata by-laws.

Permissible Noise Levels

Quiet hours are managed by local councils. You can find more information on residential noise complaints in Queensland, here. 

Time Restrictions for Loud Noises (e.g. mowing, music, etc.)

Noise levels are often restricted between certain hours, such as:

• 10pm-7am on weekdays 
• 10pm - 8am on weekends

However, the exact period can vary based on the by-laws of the community or strata schemes. 

Noise Complaint Process 

Depending on the type of noise, you may need to contact different parties. Strata noise complaints can be dealt with by speaking directly to the neighbour and politely asking them to reduce the noise. If this doesn’t work, you can submit a formal complaint to the Strata Manager or Committee. If the issue remains unresolved, an external mediation service can provide free assistance.

For loud parties or excessive noise, complaints can be made to Queensland Police or to your local council. Council and Police can issue an on-the-spot fine or a Direction Notice for nuisance residential noise.

Learn more about strata and insurance in Queensland.

South Australia SA

Residential noise restrictions in SA is managed by local council regulations under the Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act 2016.

Permissible Noise Levels

Permitted noise levels and time restrictions are subject to the local council and your strata by-laws. You can find information for your council here. 

Time Restrictions for Loud Noises (e.g. mowing, music, etc.)

Domestic tools exceeding 45 decibels of continuous noise can only be used between 8am and 8pm daily, and between 9am and 8pm on a Sunday. Councils are responsible for managing noise from construction sites, which should only occur Monday to Saturday from 7am to 7 pm.

Noise Complaint Process 

To deal with noise in strata complexes, residents can talk directly to their neighbour in a reasonable manner. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you can contact your owners corporation. In situations where the offending party continues to breach strata by-laws, the matter can be escalated to a hearing with the magistrates court. 

Learn more about strata and insurance in South Australia.

Western Australia WA

Noise restrictions in WA are managed under local council regulations which are governed by the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.

Permissible Noise Levels

Permitted noise levels and time restrictions are subject to the local council and your strata by-laws. You can find information on your council laws here. 

Time Restrictions for Loud Noises (e.g. mowing, music, etc.)

Community schemes and councils have quiet hours when noise levels should be kept to a minimum. For example, a quiet period might be from 10pm to 7am on weekdays and 10pm to 8am on weekends. Outside these hours, certain activities may be undertaken provided they don’t disturb the peace. \

Noise Complaint Process

You may resolve a strata noise complaint by first talking directly with your neighbour. If this doesn’t work, you can contact your strata manager, strata committee, or council to find a resolution. If the noise is happening at night (e.g. a loud party outside of permitted hours), you can contact the police or also seek help from Legal Aid Western Australia. 

Learn more about strata and insurance in Western Australia.

Tasmania TAS

Noise levels in strata schemes in Tasmania are regulated by strata by-laws, with complaints escalated to local councils for further action.

Permissible Noise Levels

Permitted noise levels and time restrictions are subject to the local council and your strata by-laws. You can find information on your council laws here. 

Time Restrictions for Loud Noises (e.g. mowing, music, etc.)

Community schemes and councils have quiet hours when noise levels should be kept to a minimum. Outside these hours, certain activities may be undertaken provided they don’t disturb the peace. 

Noise Complaint Process

If directly talking with your neighbour fails to resolve the noise issue, you can submit a formal complaint to the body corporate or lodge a noise complaint with your local council. 

Northern Territory NT & ACT

In the NT and ACT, strata noise regulations are managed by local councils. 

Permissible Noise Levels

Permitted noise levels and time restrictions are subject to the local council and your strata by-laws. 

Time Restrictions for Loud Noises (e.g. mowing, music, etc.)

Prohibited times for noisy activities in the NT are outlined under the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority Neighbourhood Noise Fact Sheet. In the ACT, acceptable noises and time restrictions are outlined in the Noise Standards. 

Noise Complaint Process

To file strata noise complaints in NT and ACT, you can directly talk with your neighbour politely and respectfully. If this approach does not resolve the issue, you can file a formal complaint to your strata manager or committee. If the problem persists or excessive noise is made during quiet hours, you can contact your local council to address the matter.

Tips for Resolving Disputes with Neighbours

Making a noise complaint against a neighbour can be intimidating, particularly if you don’t know your neighbour well or simply want to avoid unnecessary conflict. However, there are steps you can take to resolve the situation amicably:

1. Communicate openly and be aware of strata by-laws

If you feel comfortable to do so, knock on your neighbour's door and have a chat with them about your noise concerns. Make them aware of your strata scheme’s by-laws and how they apply to your noise concerns. You may even write a note to your neighbours if you feel uncomfortable approaching them directly. 

2. Involve strata managers for mediation

Get help from the strata committee members by requesting their assistance to address the issue. You may chat with your strata manager first and ask them for the next steps to take to determine how best to proceed. This may include a formal complaint if the noise is in breach of strata by-laws.

3. Escalate to formal tribunal if necessary 

As a last resort, you can notify local authorities whether that be your council, police, or tribunal for further action. 

Residential Noise Restrictions FAQs

What are permissible noise levels in VIC at night?  

In Victoria, permissible night noise levels vary. Commercial and industrial sites have a limit of 55 dB(A), while indoor entertainment venues must adhere to stricter limits from 11 PM or 10 PM on Sundays. Noise-sensitive areas are limited to 40 dB(A) or the background level plus 5 dB, and public address systems should not exceed 5 dB(A) above the background noise or be audible inside residential dwellings during sleeping hours.

How do I escalate a noise complaint in QLD strata schemes?  

To escalate a strata noise complaint in QLD, you can contact your strata manager or committee and issue a formal complaint. You may also contact the police or the local council if the noise is excessive and ongoing outside of quiet hours. 

Are there noise by-laws specific to common property in NSW?  

Yes, there are noise by-laws in NSW that apply to common property strata schemes. Check your strata by-laws, which will outline what noise is acceptable.

Where can I report persistent noise issues in WA?

If following your strata's formal complaints process doesn't resolve the noise issue, you can report noise such as loud parties to the police or your local government authority.

Living in a strata community means being considerate of your neighbours, especially when it comes to noise. Adhering to state regulations and your strata by-laws helps foster a peaceful and welcoming environment for everyone. If you’re dealing with noisy neighbours in your strata complex, you may approach your strata manager or committee for assistance in mediating these matters. 

For added peace of mind, start an online quote or get in touch today for strata insurance support.