What can you do if you have a dispute with your neighbours or are experiencing a nuisance?

If you live close to other people, you can sometimes hear each other. Neighbours must therefore accept each other’s normal noises. Think, for example, of children playing, coughing, vacuuming during the day or doors closing.

There is no national law that specifies exactly how much noise neighbours are allowed to make at home. Nor is there a general rule that it must be quiet throughout the Netherlands after 22:00. This is an unwritten rule. Rules regarding noise disturbances may vary by municipality. There may also be provisions in your lease or in your building’s rules.

In addition to official rules, there are customs that can help prevent problems. For example, many people try to be especially considerate of their neighbours in the evening and at night. They turn down the music or prefer to do noisy home improvement projects during the day.

Are you planning a party that might go late or get loud? Or are you planning to do some renovations for a few days? If so, it is a good idea to let your neighbours know in advance. That way, your neighbours will know what to expect.

That does not mean you need your neighbours' permission for normal activities in your own home. It is mainly about being considerate of one another and preventing problems.

Are you moving into a new home? If so, it might be helpful to briefly introduce yourself to your neighbours. Are you getting new neighbours? If so, you can also go introduce yourself.

You do not have to make a big deal out of it. For example, you could ring the doorbell to introduce yourself, have a cup of coffee, or exchange phone numbers. That way, it will be easier to get in touch later if anything comes up.

If neighbours know each other even a little bit, it is often easier to discuss things. For example, you can send a message if you are throwing a party, doing some home improvement, or notice that someone is bothered by noise.

So do not wait until there is a problem before talking to your neighbours for the first time. A brief, friendly interaction can help prevent misunderstandings later on.

Do you regularly have issues with noise or other behavior from your neighbours? If so, try talking to them first

Calmly explain what is bothering you and give a clear example. For example, you could say, "Ik hoor de muziek ’s avonds heel goed in mijn slaapkamer. Zouden jullie die later op de avond wat zachter kunnen zetten?" (I can hear the music very clearly in my bedroom in the evening. Could you turn it down a bit later in the evening?)

Do not just point out what is going wrong; work together to find a solution. Maybe you can come to an agreement about music, a pet, the kids, the yard or times when someone will be doing home improvement projects.

Sometimes a small practical adjustment can also help. Does a door often slam shut? Then a

Do you live in a rental home or apartment? If so, first check whether you need permission from your landlord or the homeowners' association (VvE) before making any changes to the property or the floor.

Sometimes people have no idea that their neighbors are bothered by them. A calm conversation and a practical solution can prevent a minor annoyance from turning into a major argument.

Are you unable to work out a solution together? Then the next step depends on the type of home you have.

Do you live in a rental property? If so, in the event of recurring disturbances, you can contact your landlord or

Do you own an apartment? If so, you can contact

You can also contact your local municipality. Many municipalities have a hotline for reporting neighbourhood disturbances.

If you have a problem with your neighbours, you do not have to go straight to the police or a court. In many municipalities, you can first turn to neighbourhood mediation. These are independent, trained volunteers who help neighbours talk to each other and reach agreements.

In neighbourhood mediation, trained and independent volunteers help you and your neighbours to talk to one another. They do not take sides. They try to help you reach agreements amongst yourselves.

Neighbourhood mediation is free of charge for residents and is voluntary. Via the website Problemen met je buren

In cases of ordinary noise disturbances, you usually do not need to call the police right away. Try talking to your neighbours first. If that does not work, you can contact your landlord, the homeowners’ association, the municipality or neighbourhood mediation, for example.

Are you being threatened? Is there violence? Or is a crime being committed? If so, you should contact the police.

Is there an immediate danger and do you need help right away? Call 112.

Is there no immediate danger, but do you still need the police? Then call 0900-8844.

You can also read more on RefugeeHelp about the difference between the police and law enforcement.

Has the serious nuisance continued and has a discussion and other forms of assistance not worked? Then in some situations you can turn to

The court will consider exactly what is happening, how serious the disturbance is and how long it has been going on. For example, the court may order that a person not play loud music or perform noisy activities at certain times.

A lawsuit can be expensive. It is therefore wise to seek legal advice first.