Complaints about noise in multi-apartment buildings have been rising in recent days, with many residents turning to legal remedies when late-night disturbances become persistent.
So what actually happens when neighbors ignore warnings, and the police are called?
Speaking to Patrul.az, attorney Roman Qarashov explained that Article 521 of Azerbaijan’s Code of Administrative Offenses prohibits household noise between 00:00 and 07:00 and establishes fines for violations.
“Article 521 outlines the legal framework for preventing household noise from midnight to 7 a.m. and treats the protection of residential quiet as a matter of administrative responsibility,” the lawyer said.
“During these hours, loud music, singing, high-volume audio equipment, or any other noise-generating actions in apartments, building entrances, courtyards, streets, or public areas are legally forbidden.”
Under the law, violators face:
150-200 AZN fines for individuals
2,000-2,500 AZN fines for officials
According to Qarashov, the key legal criterion is simple:
if the noise is proven and occurred within the restricted hours, an administrative offense has taken place.
The purpose of the regulation, he noted, is to protect residents’ right to nighttime rest, ensure public order, and prevent conflicts in residential settings.
How the process works when residents call the police
If the noise continues, a resident may contact the “102” police hotline or the local police station.
“After receiving a complaint, police officers may conduct an on-site inspection to determine whether the noise occurred during restricted hours and whether it genuinely disturbed public quiet,” Qarashov explained.
“Objective confirmation of the noise is the legal basis for establishing the administrative offense.”
If a dispute escalates into physical confrontation, the case may fall under more serious administrative or even criminal liability.
