Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is Noise Diary?

Noise Diary is a free web-based tool that helps residents document, track, and report persistent noise problems. It provides a structured approach to collecting evidence and generating reports that local authorities can act on.

Why was Noise Diary created?

Noise Diary was created by someone who personally experienced the frustration of disruptive noise and the challenges of getting authorities to take effective action. The goal is to help others facing similar situations by providing a free, accessible solution.

How much does it cost to use Noise Diary?

Noise Diary is completely free to use. There are no subscription fees, hidden charges, or premium tiers. All features are available to all users at no cost.

Do I need to download an app?

No, Noise Diary is a web-based platform that works in your browser on any device. Simply visit the website and log in to access all features. This means you can use it on your computer, tablet, or smartphone without installing anything.

Account & Privacy

How do I create an account?

Click the “Sign Up” button on the homepage, enter your email address, create a password, and provide your basic location information. Verification is sent to your email to complete the process.

Is my information kept private?

Yes. Your data is private and only visible to you until you explicitly choose to generate and submit a report to authorities. We use industry-standard security measures to protect your information.

Can my neighbors see that I’m logging complaints about them?

No. Your activity on Noise Diary is completely private. Even when you submit reports to authorities, your personal information is handled according to official protocols, and neighbors are not informed about who made the complaint (although they may receive notice of a complaint being filed).

Can I delete my account and data?

Yes. You can delete your account at any time through the Account Settings page. This permanently removes all your data from our systems.

Using Noise Diary

How many incidents should I log before reporting?

Most local councils and authorities recommend documenting noise over at least a 14-day period to establish a pattern. However, for severe cases, even 7 days of well-documented incidents can be sufficient. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case.

What types of noise can I report?

You can document any type of disruptive noise, including:

Music and loud TV
Shouting and arguments
Construction and DIY work
Machinery and equipment
Animal noises (barking dogs, etc.)
Parties and gatherings
Any other disturbing sounds

Is video evidence necessary?

While video evidence is not strictly required, it significantly strengthens your case. Videos that capture both the sound and a timestamp provide irrefutable evidence of the disturbance. We highly recommend including video evidence whenever possible.

What should I record in my videos?

Your videos should capture:

The actual noise as clearly as possible
Some visual context (if appropriate and safe)
A visible timestamp or mention of the time verbally
A brief statement of where you are in your home while recording
The impact the noise is having (if relevant)

Always ensure you’re recording from your own property and not trespassing.

How large can video files be?

The system accepts video files up to 50MB per upload. Most smartphone videos of 1-3 minutes will be within this limit. If your file is larger, most devices offer simple ways to trim or compress videos.

Reports & Authorities

How do I generate a report?

From your dashboard, click “Generate Report,” select the date range and noise source, then click “Create Report.” The system automatically compiles all incidents and evidence into a professional PDF document.

What happens when I submit a report to the council?

When you click “Submit to Council,” your report (including references to video evidence) is sent directly to the environmental health department of your local council. You’ll receive confirmation of submission and can track status updates through your dashboard.

How do authorities access my video evidence?

Your report includes secure, time-limited links that authorities can use to view your video evidence. These links can only be accessed by the recipient and expire after a set period for security.

What if authorities don’t respond?

Most councils have mandated response times for noise complaints. If you don’t receive a response within 14 days, you can:

Check your report status in the dashboard
Generate a follow-up report with any new incidents
Contact your council directly and reference your report number
Escalate to environmental health supervisors or local councillors

Can I use Noise Diary reports for legal purposes?

Yes. Noise Diary reports are designed to be admissible as evidence in legal proceedings. The systematic documentation, timestamps, and video evidence create a reliable record that can be used in court if necessary.

Technical Support

What devices and browsers can I use with Noise Diary?

Noise Diary works on:

All modern web browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge)
Computers (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Tablets and iPads
Smartphones (iPhone, Android)

What should I do if I encounter a problem?

If you experience any issues:

Check the FAQ section for known solutions
Try refreshing the page or using a different browser
Contact support through the “Help” button in your dashboard
Email us directly at support@noisediary.org

Is there a limit to how many incidents I can log?

No, you can log an unlimited number of noise incidents. The system is designed to handle comprehensive documentation over extended periods.

How long is my data stored?

Your incident logs and reports are stored indefinitely until you choose to delete them. This allows you to build cases over time and reference past incidents if problems recur.

Success Stories

Does Noise Diary actually work?

Yes! Many users have successfully resolved long-standing noise issues using Noise Diary. The key factors in success are:

Consistent, detailed documentation
Including video evidence
Following the process through to official submission
Persistence in following up with authorities

How long does resolution typically take?

While every situation is different, users typically see initial authority response within 1-2 weeks of submission. Full resolution can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months, depending on the complexity of the situation and local council procedures.

What if the noise continues after reporting?

Continue logging new incidents and generating supplementary reports. Persistent documentation shows authorities that the problem is ongoing and may require escalated enforcement actions.

Still have questions? Contact our support team for personalized assistance.