How to measure the noise level from neighbors and prove that the neighbors are noisy?

Acceptable noise level

Sanitary and epidemiological standards establish the maximum permissible noise level in residential premises. Their compliance is necessary so that all residents of apartment buildings feel comfortable in their apartments.

Thus, noise level standards in residential premises are not intended to spoil the lives of music lovers, but to protect the psychological health of all residents of the house.

In accordance with Sanitary Standards SN 2.2.4/2.1.8.562-96 “Noise in workplaces, in residential and public buildings and in residential areas,” the maximum noise level in residential premises is:

• 55 dB during the daytime (from 7.00 to 23.00);
• 45 dB at night (from 23.00 to 7.00).

The periods of daytime and nighttime are established by regional legislation. Therefore, they differ in different regions of the Russian Federation.

Noise level

Some regions, for example, Moscow, Omsk region, establish a period of silence during the daytime. It is intended for children's daytime sleep. At this time, you should also not make noise or do loud repair work in multi-story buildings. In Moscow, the period of daytime silence lasts from 13.00 to 15.00 hours, and in the Omsk region - from 13.00 to 14.00 hours.

Sanitary standards

Below is a table showing the highest noise levels allowed for various rooms. These are levels that should not lead to health problems during the entire working time.

Table 1. Noise enters the room from outside.

Abbreviations in the table: SPOV - average parameters of octave waves (measurement in Hz), ZP - sound limit, unit of measurement - dBA.

Points 1-4 are controlled under conditions that noise is generated outside and penetrates into the premises

Points 5 and 6 must be performed when noise is generated in the premises

When is noise allowed?

Regional regulations on silence establish exceptions to the general rule. Among them:

• measures to apprehend the criminal;
• emergency (fire, flood, hurricane, explosion);
• actions aimed at preventing an emergency situation or eliminating its consequences;
• holding public events (New Year's celebrations).

In addition, it will not be possible to hold neighbors accountable if the noise is explained by the residents’ activities (snoring, steps, children’s crying).

Where should I go if my neighbors’ children are constantly crying, making noise, or running around?

What should you do if your neighbors are making repairs that are very noisy and drill every day?

Digital sound level meter or online sound level meter? What to choose?

Here you should pay attention to how accurate the result you need. An online service may be suitable for approximate results. It does not produce the most accurate numbers, but there is no need to buy additional equipment that may come in handy once. So if you have a good enough microphone, then this option will be the most economical.

A digital device is suitable for those for whom higher accuracy of readings is important and there is a possibility that the device will be used more than once. But it should be borne in mind that the price range can be very wide and will depend on the model and accuracy class.

How to prove that neighbors are noisy?

First, you need to determine why you need to prove that your neighbors are noisy. Most methods for determining sound volume will not have evidentiary value in a trial. Therefore, they can be used exclusively for yourself.

Options that have evidentiary value require significant financial costs.

Note! These costs will be compensated only if you go to court. Moreover, in order for the court to decide to recover the costs of the sound level examination from the defendant, it is necessary to win the case.

As practice shows, it is very difficult for a plaintiff to win such disputes in court. Especially if the claim is filed by one applicant, and not by neighbors collectively. Therefore, there is a high probability that the costs of the examination will be paid from the plaintiff’s budget.

If the plaintiff is ready to sacrifice an amount of 20,000 - 30,000 rubles, then measurements must be taken. To go to court, it is necessary not only to measure the noise level, but also to issue an expert report that proves that the maximum level has been exceeded.

What does 1st, 2nd, 3rd accuracy class mean?

International IEC standards divide sound level meters into two “classes”. These products have the same functionality, but different requirements for reading accuracy. “Level 1” devices have a wider frequency range and tighter tolerances than budget “Class 2” devices. This applies to both the analyzer itself and the associated calibrator.

Most national standards, including Russian GOST, allow the use of “level 2” tools. For ordinary measurements there is no need to use a “class 1” device; they are common in conducting more accurate studies.

The American National Institute (ANSI) ranks decibel meters by type (1, 2, 3). These regulations establish tolerances for performance and accuracy:

• 1st is used in laboratories, the best apparatus known;
• 2nd is used in field conditions (± 1 dBA);
• 3rd for general purpose measurements (±2 dBA).

If you want to detect street noise, night noise, the hum of cars, or kitchen appliances, a “class 3” unit is suitable. Products at a higher level comply with the guidelines of IEC 61672-1: 2002. They are used by reviewers, used in the field of high technology, audio acoustics. The devices are calibrated (with high accuracy verification) and belong to the category of testing equipment. It is important to note that “class 3” devices meet the same requirements, but have lower tolerances.

Calibrated products have a seal or marking and are included in the state register. Devices with verification have a high average price, but for the average consumer such a device is not necessary.

How to measure?

To measure the noise level you can use:

• programs and mobile applications;
• household sound level meter.

You can also order a professional study from a specialized private company that has a license for this type of activity, or from Rospotrebnadzor.

Programs and applications

In 2022, you can find a program and application for measuring noise on any device: computer, laptop, smartphone.

Popular options:

• MacOS: Sound Level Meter, dB Meter, Decibel Meter Pro, Decibel 10th;
• Android: decibel, Noise Meter, Decibel Meter, Sound Meter;
• Windows: Decibel Meter Pro, Cyberx Decibel Meter, Decibel Meter Free.

If the program is installed on a computer or laptop, you must connect a microphone to the device. It is with the help of it that sounds will be read. The program will analyze the sound level and display the result. However, the conclusion of the program or application will not be considered as evidence in government agencies.

Sound level meter

There are special devices to change the noise level. A sound level meter measures sound in decibels.

The device consists of:

• indicator;
• detector;
• filtration elements;
• amplifier;
• microphone.

The device operates using a battery. The sound is measured using a microphone, and the result is displayed on the device screen.

Note! The readings from a household sound meter are not evidence in court or before an administrative commission.

Rospotrebnadzor

There is an opinion that specialists from Rospotrebnadzor can be called to measure any noise. However, this issue is not within their competence.

Note! If your neighbors are noisy, there is no need to call Rospotrebnadzor employees. Department specialists are not involved in monitoring compliance with the level of silence.

Rospotrebnadzor employees will help if the noise comes from:

• from a sports and fitness facility built into the house;
• nightclub located in the house;
• when operating construction equipment (if the construction site is located near the house);
• from air conditioners of retail outlets located in the house.

That is, to apply to Rospotrebnadzor, it is necessary that the noise was caused by equipment, and not by people’s behavior (speech, swearing, singing, playing musical instruments), mass events or car alarms.

To measure noise in an apartment, you must contact directly the Rospotrebnadzor office at your place of residence. This cannot be done electronically.

Private specialist

A private specialist is an expert who has a license and equipment to change the noise level. This can only be a person with a higher environmental or technical education and completion of courses on this expert topic.

The noise measurement service is provided under an agreement concluded with an expert. The cost of services varies depending on how the result is presented to the customer:

• research protocol – from 10,000 rubles;
• expert opinion (pre-trial examination) – from 20,000 rubles;
• expert opinion (forensic examination) – from RUB 30,000.

The cost also increases if measurements need to be taken at night.

An appraisal report is an official document that can be presented in court as evidence.

Where to buy a sound level meter?

You can purchase new items in electronics supermarkets, order online in an online store or by mail. The device is quite rare, so it is better to use a search engine, read the description, features, read reviews, and evaluate the popularity of the models.

Rent or buy a product? Depends on the goal. If you need to collect information one-time or file a lawsuit against screaming neighbors, it is better not to spend money on “1st class” equipment, but to borrow a simpler device. For private purposes, you can use inexpensive “Class 3” decibel meters. The cost of renting a calibrated sound level meter will be higher.

Today, a smartphone can provide many useful features, including various audio measurement applications, see if they suit your needs.

Armed with a useful device, you will quickly find troublemakers, be it loud neighbor music, a hammer drill, or checking a repaired moped.

When will construction and technical expertise be needed?

In a noise situation, neighbors are not always to blame. Sometimes the reason is poor sound insulation. The problem is popular for modern new buildings. When carrying out repairs, first of all it is necessary to pay attention to sound insulation.

If excessive audibility has arisen in an old house, and only recently, you need to find out whether the neighbors have undergone renovations. In pursuit of high ceilings and fashionable finishes, apartment owners remove floors and lay laminate directly on the ceiling. As a result, due to the lack of soundproofing coating, audibility between apartments increases significantly.

To prove problems with sound insulation you must:

1. Talk to your neighbors. Perhaps they are not aware of the situation. In this case, you can try to negotiate peacefully.
2. If neighbors refuse to resolve the conflict voluntarily, then it is necessary to order a construction and technical examination.

The specialist will conduct an inspection and make a conclusion about compliance with the standards of the soundproofing coating. The result of the work will be an expert opinion. It can be used as evidence in court.

If the court satisfies the plaintiff’s demands, then it will be possible to additionally deduct from the defendant the costs of examinations, legal support and state fees to the court.

New models of sound level meters

Battery-powered digital sound level meters are now widely used, as they are compact and quite convenient. You can carry them with you, the batteries are easy and quick to change.

There are also special mobile applications that can measure sound volume using the technical capabilities of the phone.

• Such applications are written for Android and iOS devices.
• The accuracy of their readings is close to class 3 devices, but it mainly depends on the microphone.
• Measurement results on iPhones, for example, are many times more accurate and of higher quality.

The accuracy of measurements obtained on cheaper models is lower and is called into question.

Responsibility measures

For violation of the law on silence, you can be subject to the following types of liability:

1. Administrative. In accordance with Art. 6.4 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, a fine of 500 to 1,000 rubles is imposed on the guilty person. The decision is made by an administrative commission under the local administration. To bring a neighbor to justice, you must submit an application to the local police officer to draw up a protocol on an administrative violation.
2. Civil law. If noise from a neighbor’s apartment leads to health problems, then you can recover compensation for moral damages from the culprits. The applicant will have to prove a cause-and-effect relationship between the health disorder and the noise from the neighboring apartment. In practice, such requirements are rarely met.

In 2022, there are no serious measures to address noisy neighbors. The only option is eviction at the request of the district administration. But this requires a whole range of violations (non-payment of bills, noise, dirt). In this case, the court can evict the owner, sell the apartment, and transfer the proceeds from the sale to the former owner.

Octave analyzers

Octave analyzers are used to study the spectral structure of noise. Octave bands are used to calculate sound pressure.

They operate on the following principle: their upper limit frequencies are twice as low as their lower limit frequencies. For example: 40–80, 70–140, etc.

Characteristics of the octave band – geometric mean frequency f. It is obtained from the indicated limiting frequencies, which are designated as follows:

• top – f1;
• bottom – f2.

The geometric mean frequency is determined by the formula: f av =√ f1 f2

Lawyer's answers to private questions

I can't sleep at night. In the apartment above there lives an old woman who watches TV loudly at night. I wanted to call Rospotrebnadzor to measure the noise, but they refused. What to do and where to complain?

This issue is not within the competence of Rospotrebnadzor. In such a situation, contact the local police officer. He will have an explanatory conversation with the neighbor. And if she refuses to comply with the rules, she will draw up an administrative protocol.

The apartment across the wall is rented daily. Either there was silence for weeks, then there were drinking sessions, partying, and company. There is no peace day or night. How to punish neighbors?

File a complaint with the Federal Tax Service that the apartment is rented daily. If a neighbor does not pay taxes, he will receive a large fine. Complaints can be repeated regularly until the owner finds permanent residents.

A neighbor installed an air conditioner near my balcony. I can’t open the window to ventilate in the summer. Terrible noise. How to measure noise and prove its fault?

In this situation, you need to call Rospotrebnadzor. They will take measurements and issue an administrative protocol to the neighbor.

Older models of sound level meters

In the past, pointer sound level meters were widely used, but they were difficult to use. When using such devices, you had to independently monitor the movements of the needle and record the highest value.

If the measurer blinked, for example, he might not notice the highest vibrations of the sound and get incorrect results.

Therefore, pointer sound level meters were removed from the assembly line; now only old models can be found. The latest models of digital sound level meters display measurement results on the screen in a matter of seconds.

Technical and operational characteristics

Manufacturers strive to distinguish between models designed exclusively for measuring loudness and devices for universal measurements. Nevertheless, the volume level remains one of the key characteristics of almost all sound level meters - this indicator varies from 30 to 130 dB. It is important to note one feature of noise meters. Some models, when operating in conditions where the sound coefficient exceeds the maximum level of the scale, do not conduct a noise study at all due to limitations in their capabilities. The next characteristic is measurement accuracy. This quality is determined by the error, which can range from 1 to 1.5 dB. Accordingly, the smaller the deviation in the sound level meter measurements, the higher its accuracy. The operation of devices may be affected by temperature conditions. For example, if the range from 0 to 40 °C is indicated, then the device can be used in open areas.

Reviews about sound level meters

Users note the ease of use of digital sound level meters. Most manufacturers offer devices with ergonomic housings, as well as informative screens, which adds comfort during operation. The disadvantages of many devices of this type include the short operating time of the charger and serious errors. However, the last nuance largely depends on what noise sources are being studied. In addition to the direct function, it is also recommended to pay attention to the device’s ability to operate in harsh external conditions. The presence of a housing resistant to mechanical stress and moisture is clearly regarded as an advantage.

Sound insulation check

Doors and windows are the elements through which various noises can enter the apartment. And therefore, the level of their sound insulation is of greater importance for a comfortable stay.

This level can be determined using simple testing. Some kind of noise source is needed here. You can just turn on music on your phone and close the door.

After which the sound level meter is turned on, a measurement is taken, the door is opened and the operation is repeated. You will get two indicators of the device. Subtract the smaller from the larger number. This is the isolation level.

For best accuracy, make sure that there is no unnecessary noise in the apartment. You also need to check that the sound does not pass through the walls.

Device design

In the modern market of sound level meters, digital devices are popular today. They are small in size and have a reliable plastic case, which is complemented by a microphone - however, this element can be integrated inside the device. The device also includes an amplifier, filtering elements, an indicator and a detector. Actually, the human ear has many parts that are similar in functionality. In turn, special equipment allows you to study noise while recording several parameters simultaneously. Filters capture sounds with different frequencies, and information about the measurements taken is reflected on the screens in decibels. As for power supply, most sound level meters are powered by a battery, the charge of which can vary from 50 to 70 hours.