In Madrid, quiet hours are legally enforced to restrict noise in residential buildings. This guide explains Madrid’s noise laws, the official quiet hours, and how to handle noise issues.
Official quiet hours in Madrid
Quiet hours in Madrid depend on the day of the week. You must respect these hours to avoid fines.
On weekdays (Monday to Friday), quiet hours run from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. On weekends and public holidays, they run from 10:00 PM to 9:00 AM.
During these hours, you must avoid making loud noises. Do not run washing machines or play loud music. Avoid noisy gatherings in your apartment.
Noise limits and rules
The Madrid City Council (Ayuntamiento de Madrid) sets the noise limits. These rules are in the local noise ordinance.
Noise is measured in decibels. Inside residential bedrooms, the noise limit during the day is 35 decibels. During quiet hours, this limit drops to 30 decibels inside bedrooms.
Construction noise rules
Home renovations and construction work (obras) have stricter rules. You can only make construction noise during these hours:
- Weekdays : From 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Saturdays : From 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Sundays and holidays : Construction noise is completely banned.
How to handle noisy neighbours
If your neighbours are too loud, you should follow these steps to resolve the issue.
Talk to them first
Most neighbours do not realize they are being loud. Knock on their door and explain the issue politely in Spanish:
Hola, perdón por molestar, pero se escucha mucho ruido. ¿Podríais bajar el volumen? Gracias.
This message asks them to lower the volume politely.
Contact the building president
If the noise continues, contact the building administrator or president of the homeowners association (comunidad de propietarios). They can send a formal warning to the noisy resident or their landlord.
Call the police
If the noise is excessive during quiet hours, you can call the local police (Policía Municipal).
Call them on 092. The police can measure the decibel levels and issue fines (multas). Noise fines range from €750 to €3,000 depending on the severity of the violation.
Questions and answers
Can I play music during the day?
Yes, but within limits. You can play music, but the sound must not exceed 35 decibels in your neighbours’ homes. Be respectful of your neighbours.
Can I run my washing machine at night?
No. You should not run loud appliances during quiet hours. The vibrations and noise travel easily through apartment walls in Madrid.
What is the phone number for the local police?
092. You can call the Policía Municipal on this number to report noise issues. Call the national police on 091 for emergencies.
Can my landlord evict me for causing noise?
Yes. If you repeatedly violate noise laws, the landlord can terminate your lease. Causing constant community disturbances is legal grounds for eviction.
