main content Insulating your property to reduce noise

If you are affected by noise, have you thought about sound insulation?

Properties built before 1990, or properties converted before 1992 are not subject to the same standards as those built or converted today.

Case Law states that landlords, housing associations, council housing departments or builders are not liable to upgrade sound insulation in properties built before 1990 or converted before 1992.

Properties built after 1990 or converted after 1992 should meet the current Building Regulations - Approved Document E. This is the minimum standard and does not mean properties will be completely sound proof. If this is the case you should take legal advice.

For further advice contact:

• Our Building Control department;
• Building Research Establishment Ltd (BRE), Improving sound insulation in your home;
• Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM), The Building Regulations, Approved Document E.