Skip to Content

Neighbour Disputes | Nuisance Neighbours.

Unfortunately, not everyone is respectful in life, most of the time we just move on and keep our opinion to ourselves, but when that comes to where we live you can't, any of us can find ourselves living with the neighbours from hell and this can leave you stressed, intimidated and unable to enjoy your home.
Thankfully, although a delicate and complex issue, help is at hand.


The first step.

Your first action should be to inform the neighbours, they may not be aware that whatever they are doing is causing a problem for someone so a face to face meeting may solve all your problems, this is sometimes easier said than done as you may feel uncomfortable doing so, if you are, then find another way, seek support from others that may be affected or perhaps write a letter.


Done that, and no change - what next?

So you didn't get the result you had hoped for, you need to discuss the matter with the council, they have a department called the environmental health department that normally deals with such issues, they can help with matters such as

- Animals
- Noise
- Smoke

The council will decide if they cover your complaint and have the power to issue a notice to the offender or appoint a mediator, before they do they will need to gather evidence of your complaint, such as times when bonfires were lit, noise levels etc, this evidence will determine if they can take forward your case or if the disturbance is reasonable.

Should the abatement notice be issued the offender will be asked to stop the activity, and a mediator will try to find a solution between all parties.
Failure to comply can result in fines and prosecution.


A more immediate problem.

Do not put yourself in danger and if you feel threatened, in any way, call the police, quite often this will be enough to change their behaviour, if you have had to call the police a number of times you may be in a position to issue legal proceedings.

Involving a solicitor and going to court.

A solicitor will assess your case and determine the course of action; the most likely outcome is that the case will go before a magistrate's court.

Best practice would be to advise the person of your intentions giving them ample opportunity to change or defend their actions, if the case does go to court and you are successful the protagonist will be asked to stop what they are doing and the court have the power to issue a fine of up to £2000, failure to comply with the court's decision may result in more fines and the possibility of a prison sentence.

Neighbour Disputes | Nuisance Neighbours.
Image Description
related news
recent articles
Flying Freehold

What is a Flying Freehold and should it matter?..

link

Children and the Law - Smacking

Children and the Law - Smacking.
It is surprising that the UK have not adopted the same stance as in Europe where the EU have adopted a clearer stance in makin..

Help to buy ISAs

Help to buy ISAs - The new, 'Help to buy', ISA is designed to help first time buyers save for a deposit for their first home, with the inducement of an extra 25..

Cautions, warnings and penalty notices.

Police cautions and warnings are the same and can be issued to anyone over the age of ten for minor offences, whilst this does not count as a conviction it can..

Double Jeopardy Law

What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..

link

Dangerous Driving.

You may have witnessed people driving, 'dangerously' or you may have been stopped for dangerous driving, but are you aware that there are other charges that fal..

Leasehold v Freehold.

The biggest difference is whether you own your home or you have a landlord, on a freehold property you own your home, with a leasehold property you will have a..

Bail

What is Bail in the UK - If you have been charged with a crime you can be released on bail from the police station, which means you will be able to go home but..

Government to introduce New Homes Ombudsman

The government announces a New Homes Ombudsman to protect consume..

link

Conveyancing | The Contracts.

Whilst most people hate the paperwork side of things it is important to go through the contract with your conveyancing solicitor...

Selling a house, what do I need to declare?

As part of selling a house or flat in England and Wales you must make sure anyone buying is aware of problems with the property...

Fraud Solicitors | Solicitors.com

Fraud Solicitors. Fraud could be described as a deception in order to secure unfair or unlawful gain, usually monetary...

Image Description
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us

Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.

Information by area of law
Back to top