The neighbours make noise every night — who do I call?
Talk first, once, calmly — it works more often than any authority. If it goes on, keep a noise diary (date, time, what, how long), then: for noise right now at night, the police non-emergency line Polizei — 117 (117) — not the emergency number. For a pattern, Gemeindeverwaltung (ch.ch) — the municipality enforces quiet hours and can fine. In rented buildings, tell the landlord or manager in writing; they must act. Friedensrichter / Mediation offers free neighbour mediation.
🗣️ What to say
"Since [date] there is loud [music/shouting/works] at [address] almost every night between [time] and [time]. I have spoken to them on [date] without result and kept a log. I request that you check and enforce the quiet hours."
🪜 Step by step
- One conversationDaytime, calm, specific: which nights, which hours. Many people have no idea how far sound travels.
- Keep a diaryDate, time, type, duration, and a short phone recording. Three weeks of entries make a case.
- Night, right now: Polizei — 117The non-emergency line; officers can come, warn and fine. Do not use 112 for noise.
- A pattern: GemeindeverwaltungThe municipality applies the local quiet-hours rule and can impose fines or, for businesses, conditions.
- Mediation: Friedensrichter / MediationFree, voluntary, and surprisingly effective when both sides want to keep living there.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
What are the quiet hours?
Typically 22:00–07:00 on weekdays, later on weekends, set by municipal by-laws; some countries add an afternoon rest. Gemeindeverwaltung publishes the exact hours.
Can I get the neighbour evicted?
Only the landlord can, and only after documented, repeated disturbance despite warnings. Your diary and the police reports are what make that possible.
What about construction noise?
Works have their own hours (usually not at night or on Sundays) and permits; report to Gemeindeverwaltung with the address.
📎 Sources
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “noisy neighbours who to call Switzerland”
- “quiet hours Switzerland”
- “report noise police non emergency”
- “neighbour noise complaint municipality”
- “neighbour mediation”
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