A Guide to Strata Noise Complaints for OC Committees

Noise is one of the most common sources of tension in strata-managed properties, and it isn’t always about noise volume. Frequent disturbances, poorly timed noise, or ongoing disruptions can all impact residents’ comfort and enjoyment of their homes. 

Understanding how noise complaints arise and how they should be handled under Victorian legislation helps owners’ corporations (OCs) manage concerns effectively and efficiently. 

This guide outlines common complaints and the recommended steps for resolving them.

What Are Some Common Noise Complaints in Strata Managed Properties?

Noise complaints don’t have to be related to high-volume noise. Complaints might also occur in relation to the frequency of the noise and the time of day or night that it occurs.

Some common noise complaints in strata-managed properties include:

• Loud music, whether from speakers or someone practising a loud instrument regularly.
• Persistent dog barking or other pet-related noises.
• Loud appliance use or gardening maintenance late at night or early in the morning.
• Construction and renovation work or tradespeople coming and going.
• General noise from neighbours, for example, relating to disputes or arguments, especially when this is occurring in shared common areas such as hallways or stairwells.

Who is Responsible for Handling Strata Noise Complaints in Victoria?

The OC typically takes responsibility for communicating and enforcing any strata and legislative rules regarding noise, and should be the first point of contact for residents with noise-related complaints or concerns.

While the OC are responsible for enforcing the rules and handling complaints, it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure they live within their individual and shared areas in ways that respect others and minimise noise.

What Are the Rules and Legislation Around Strata Noise Complaints in Victoria?

In Victoria, noise rules and guidelines are set by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), local councils and strata by-laws. Local police also have additional information on residents’ expectations regarding noise.

There are permissible times throughout the day and week when noise can occur, and there are also ‘quiet hours’ when all residents and tradespeople are expected to keep excessive noise to a minimum, or risk penalties, including fines.

These quiet hours in Victoria are:

• Before 7 am Monday to Friday
• After 11 pm Monday to Friday
• Before 9 am on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays.
• After 11pm on Saturday and Public Holidays
• After 10pm on Sunday.

Many strata-managed properties will follow these rules and may have additional rules and guidelines in place. All residents must be advised of these rules and promptly notified of any changes.

How to Manage Strata Noise Complaints 

The OC Act 2006 provides guidance on managing issues and complaints in strata-managed properties, including noise. It’s essential to have a standard process for handling resident noise complaints.

This may include:

1. Providing a formal written application: Provide the resident with a formal form to provide further information about their complaint. This is important to create a formalised, written documentation of the complaint.
   
2. Decide on whether to investigate: Depending on the nature of the complaint, the OC committee may want to investigate further to understand what’s actually happening. Once you have this information, you can decide on the appropriate next steps.
   
3. Decide on action: Once the OC committee has enough information, it then needs to decide how to act. This will usually involve one of three steps: internal action, VCAT application to intervene or no action. If no action is taken, the committee must inform the resident who complained of the reason for the inaction.
   
4. Issue a breach notice: If internal action is taken, the committee issues a Notice to Rectify Breach, allowing 28 days to fix the problem. If it isn’t resolved, the committee can either extend the deadline, issue a Final Notice, or choose not to continue. A Final Notice must be written, provide an additional 28-day period for compliance, and outline possible next steps if the issue persists. In all cases, all individuals involved must be informed of the committee’s decision.

If internal actions fail to resolve the noise complaint, the committee can seek legal advice or escalate the matter to VCAT. If noise issues continue and the OC is unable to address them, residents may have the option to escalate them to the police.

Need More Information?

This is a general overview of managing strata noise complaints in Victoria for 2025.

If you’re based in Victoria or New South Wales and unsure or need guidance, AboveOCM can help. Our expert team is on hand to support you on all things OC management.

Contact us today to find out more.