Anti-Noise poster

I knocked up the attached poster explaining the noise laws for anyone to download, print and pin to their notice boards (as we enter party season).  The poster is in pdf form but the text goes as follows:

When noise annoys

YOU may already know this but, living in an apartment block, you are subject to two sets of rules on how much noise you can make and when you can make it.

A couple of years ago the state government tightened the restrictions on domestic noise nuisance in NSW – specifically establishing earlier times after which you legally have to turn down your TV or hi-fi if they are too loud.

This legislation means police can be called if there’s excessive noise from your unit after 10pm Sunday to Thursday nights and after midnight on Fridays and Saturdays (and the evenings before public holidays).

However, these laws are on top of, not instead of, the building’s by-laws. Under our and most other apartment blocks’ by-laws, you are not allowed to disturb the peaceful enjoyment of any other resident in their apartment at any time.

That’s 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The 10 pm deadline only means that’s when the concierge and/or your neighbours can call the police who can issue on-the-spot fines and even remove your sound system. Up to and beyond that point, you could also be up for an Owners Corporation breach notice leading to a $550 NCAT fine.

Sound insulation varies throughout an apartment block and noise often travels in strange ways. But the bottom line is, if you play your music or TV too loudly, someone could get annoyed.

That said, there should be a bit of give and take.  But if you are continually causing a nuisance with noise, or throwing a really noisy party at any time of day or night, you could land in a world of trouble.

So think before you crank up the stereo to nightclub volumes.  Turn the bass down; it’s that “doof-doof” thump that travels through the building and annoys people most.

NB: If you’re annoyed by loud music, try having a quick word with your neighbours first.  They may have no idea how loud their music sounds in your apartment.