What can I do about noisy neighbours in Monaco?
The Monegasque authorities say that they regularly deal with noise-related incidents in the country - © Pixabay
We asked the Department of the Interior what the procedure is in the Principality.
It’s an issue that can quickly become a waking nightmare, especially if there is a breakdown in communications between the neighbours. The Department of the Interior advises that the first step should be to try to come to an amicable settlement. If nothing changes, the Department recommends contacting the building’s management and, as a last resort, notifying the police “if the disturbance proves difficult to bear.”
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Night-time disturbance, from 10 pm
The authorities remind us that “everyone should be mindful not to disturb the peace and quiet of their neighbours,” even during the day. Noise is considered ‘tapage nocturne‘ (night-time disturbance), as of 10pm. After that time, “no noise should be audible from the public highway or the communal areas of the building.”
Let’s say you are organising a party. You might be inclined to put up a sign in the communal areas apologising in advance for any noise. While the Department of the Interior acknowledges that this may be “commendable”, “it does not make the person exempt from possible penalties if the police are called out.” So best ‘keep it down’ if you don’t want the party ruined!
Regular action taken
The Police Department says that it takes action “very regularly with private individuals to put a stop to disturbances encountered” in Monaco. First, “the officers try to determine whether any noise is audible from the public highway and/or the common areas of the building. Depending on the noise level observed and their assessment, they may record the offence and fine the offender for ‘unnecessary noise’. They also make sure that the offender puts a stop to the noise,” according to Government officials.
For your information, the penalty for this type of anti-social behaviour is 300 euros.