Keeping the Peace: How Your Body Corporate Manages Noisy Neighbours in a Strata Scheme

Living in a strata property, whether it’s an apartment block or a townhouse complex on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, comes with wonderful benefits: shared amenities, reduced maintenance responsibilities, and a ready-made community. However, living so closely with others also means you might occasionally encounter noisy neighbours.
At Sunstate Strata, your trusted Body Corporate Managers in Marcoola, we understand how disruptive persistent noise can be and the importance of maintaining peace and harmony in a strata community.
Whether it’s loud parties, barking dogs, or machinery, dealing with noise complaints requires a balanced approach, one that protects residents’ rights while fostering positive neighbourly relationships. Here’s how our expert team can help.

The Rules of Engagement: By-Laws are Key

In Queensland, the cornerstone of managing noise complaints in a strata scheme is the set of registered by-laws. Bylaws are legally binding rules that every owner and resident must follow, and they often include specific provisions about noise.
A common by-law, the “Nuisance and Hazard” clause, prohibits residents from creating any unreasonable noise that interferes with another owner’s right to peaceful enjoyment. Importantly, the noise doesn’t have to be extreme; it only needs to be unreasonable in terms of time, duration, or type.

Common Types of Noise Complaints

Sunstate Strata often deals with:
  • Loud Parties or Gatherings: Especially those that go on late into the night, disrupting other residents’ sleep and peace.
  • Renovation Noise: Construction outside permitted hours, which can affect the comfort and lifestyle of neighbours.
  • Barking Dogs: Even when pets are approved, continuous or disruptive barking can create tension.
  • Air Conditioner Units or Machinery: Excessive vibration or noise from appliances can significantly affect nearby units.
  • Musical Instruments or Loud Stereos: Unreasonable sound levels that interfere with daily living.
By enforcing these by-laws fairly and consistently, your Body Corporate in Marcoola ensures that everyone can enjoy their home without disruption.

Step-by-Step Noise Complaint Resolution

Sunstate Strata follows a clear process to handle noise issues, designed to resolve matters quickly and professionally:

1. Direct Approach (First Step)
Residents are encouraged to politely speak to their neighbour if they feel safe. A friendly conversation often resolves minor, one-off issues without escalating tensions.

2. Formal Complaint Submission
If the noise continues, a formal, written complaint should be submitted to Sunstate Strata. This complaint should include:

  • Nature of the noise – what kind of disturbance is occurring.
  • Dates and times – when the noise happened.
  • By-law breached – our team can help identify the relevant clause.
  • Evidence – photos, recordings, or logs, if available, to support the complaint.

3. Notice to Comply
Upon reviewing the complaint, the Body Corporate issues a formal Notice to Comply to the offending resident. This notice warns them of the by-law breach and requests immediate compliance. Often, this step is sufficient to resolve the issue.

4. Dispute Resolution and Enforcement
If the problem persists, the matter may be escalated to the Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management (BCCM) Office. This structured, impartial process helps mediate disputes and, if required, issues binding orders. Sunstate Strata manages all documentation and communication with the BCCM office on your behalf.

For a deeper understanding of how professional Body Corporate Managers operate, you can explore The Role of Body Corporate Managers in Strata Communities: Unveiling Their Responsibilities.

Why Choosing the Right Body Corporate Matters

Selecting the right Body Corporate Company in Marcoola ensures your strata community is well-managed and harmonious. Here’s what you gain:
  • Professional Expertise – Experienced managers handle disputes, enforce by-laws, and ensure compliance.
  • Peace of Mind – Residents can enjoy their homes without worrying about ongoing noise or conflict.
  • Legal Guidance – Assistance in navigating by-laws, Queensland strata regulations, and dispute resolution.
  • Efficient Communication – Clear and timely updates regarding complaints and resolutions.
  • Community Harmony – Proactive management fosters a positive and cooperative community environment.

Need Help with Noisy Neighbours? Contact Sunstate Strata Today!

If persistent noise is disrupting your Sunshine Coast strata lifestyle, don’t wait, take action now. Sunstate Strata in Marcoola is here to provide professional, fair, and effective solutions.
Our team of dedicated Body Corporate Managers in Marcoola is ready to help you maintain the peace and tranquillity you deserve. Let us manage the noise, so you can focus on enjoying your home.