Noise is one of the biggest triggers of conflict in strata living. From midnight parties to early-morning power tools, excessive noise can quickly turn neighbourly relations sour.

The important thing to remember? NSW councils and strata laws already have rules in place—so you’re not left powerless when the peace is disturbed.

What Do the Rules Say?

Each local council sets specific restrictions on when certain noises are acceptable. In the Canterbury-Bankstown Council area, the rules include:

• Power tools & garden equipment – not before 7 am on weekdays or 8 am on weekends/public holidays, and not after 8 pm on any day.
• Musical instruments & sound systems – restricted before 8 am and after midnight on Friday/Saturday/public holiday eves; and before 8 am and after 10 pm on other days.
• Air conditioners & hot water systems – restricted between 10 pm and 7 am on weekdays, and between 10 pm and 8 am on weekends/public holidays.
• Motor vehicles (not entering or leaving) – no prolonged revving or running between 8 pm–7 am weekdays, or 8 pm–8 am weekends/public holidays.
• Refrigeration units fitted to vehicles – not permitted between 8 pm–7 am weekdays, or 8 pm–8 am weekends/public holidays.

These restrictions are enforced under the Protection of the Environment Operations (Noise Control) Regulation 2017 and are broadly similar across metropolitan Sydney. Always check Canterbury-Bankstown Council’s website for the latest updates.

Step 1: Try Talking First

Often, a simple conversation solves the problem. Your neighbour may not realise how far the sound travels in a shared building. A calm, friendly chat is the quickest way to resolve most issues without formal complaints.

Step 2: Call Police for Serious Disturbances

If it’s late at night and the noise is unreasonable (e.g. a loud party), you can call the police. They have the power to issue a Noise Abatement Direction, which:

• Must be obeyed immediately
• Remains in force for 28 days
• Can lead to penalties if breached again

Step 3: Escalate to the Strata Committee

If the noise continues, submit a written complaint to your Strata Committee. Include details such as:

• Dates and times of the noise
• The type of noise and its impact
• How frequently it occurs

The committee can then ask Metro Strata to act. While remaining impartial, we can:

• Forward the complaint to the alleged offender
• Notify the owner or agent if it’s a rental property
• Provide the offender with the chance to reply or apologise

Step 4: Formal Notices and Penalties

If informal measures don’t resolve the issue, the committee may authorise a Notice to Comply (Section 45). If the by-law breach continues, the Owners Corporation can apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for a penalty.

At this point, evidence is essential. Keep:

• A record of times and dates
• Police event numbers if applicable
• Photos or videos where possible
• Statutory declarations from witnesses

Step 5: Taking It to NCAT

If the issue escalates, NCAT has the authority to enforce orders and issue penalties. Their role is to resolve disputes between neighbours, owners, landlords, and tenants quickly and fairly.

From our experience at Metro Strata, cases with clear documentation are far more likely to succeed. A simple noise diary can make all the difference.

Metro Strata’s Role

As your strata manager, Metro Strata must remain impartial. Our responsibility is to:

• Guide committees through the correct legal process
• Issue compliant notices when required
• Ensure all records are properly documented
• Protect both the committee and the building through fair management

Final Word

Noise disputes can be frustrating, but the right approach keeps them under control. Start with communication, follow the process, and use the legal tools available if needed.