4 Steps To Deal With Disputes With Neighbours

Most people want to live in harmony but sometimes this is not possible, below is a brief guide to dealing with difficult neighbours.

Keep Records
Make a note whenever the problems happen this will help you decide if you want to take things further. Things that should be recorded are date, time, and how it affected you. Keep messages sent to you, keep detailed notes, and take images and videos only if it is safe to do so.

Speak to them

If it is safe to do so always speak to your neighbour or their landlord, try not to speak on behalf of other neighbours let them approach the neighbour in question themselves as the neighbour causing the nuisance will think you are the only one complaining. You could as a group visit the neighbour to have a conversation letting them know of the behaviour that is affecting you and see how a compromise can be reached. Hopefully, this step is all that’s required but if you are unfortunate not to be so lucky read on.

Report the behaviour

Think very carefully before reporting the behaviour. If it is a slight nuisance you can adapt to then it may be easier to do this as reports can lead to unpleasant altercations and can quickly spiral out of control. If the behaviour escalates it is important to always stay calm and not react. In saying this you are legally entitled to live in peace so the decision is yours.   

For criminal behaviour for crimes not happening now dial 101

For anti-social behaviour such as noise, dumping rubbish, dogs barking, trespassing, and harassment call the local council. The local authority will have their specific process of handling these complaints, they will ask you how long the nuisance has been happening, the effects on you and what actions you have taken to solve the problem. Send a copy of the record you have been keeping.

Unhappy with the council's response

Make a formal complaint using their complaints process this will be on their website and if you still feel they have not looked at it in an impartial manner contact the Ombudsman.

KEY TAKEAWAY

• Keep a record
• Speak to the neighbour first and come to an agreement
• Report neighbour and behaviour to authorities