Peter Goodchild and Judith Embley, associate professors at The University of Law, have looked into some common neighbour disputes, helping you to get clued up on knowing how to handle a situation, whether a neighbour is breaking the law, and where to go for further advice.
Read these tips below so you know just what to do should you encounter a problem.
From garden parties to outdoor D.I.Y projects, especially during spring/summer, there may be more noise outside than usual. Most neighbours are likely to respect those living close by once it gets late, but if you do find they are being excessively disruptive late into the night (from 11pm - 7am), it is within your right to solve the problem.
The first recommendation is to politely ask them to reduce the noise – often people aren’t aware of how loud they are being. If that doesn't seem to do the trick, don't be afraid to complain to your local council. They have they authority to look into this further with thanks to the Noise Act 1996. If your council agrees that your complaint is valid then they can issue a warning, fixed penalty notice or even seize noisemaking equipment.
We are a nation of pet lovers, with almost 49 per cent of UK adults owning a furry friend. Sometimes, neighbours can have disruptive or even aggressive pets, which can be intimidating. Any issues with pets, in particular dogs, falls under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
If you encounter any trouble with a neighbour's dog, you can report it to your local authority, who has the power to issue Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, Community Protection Notices, Dog Control Orders and in extreme cases Civil Injunction or Criminal Behaviour orders.
While it may seem easier to want to keep the peace with neighbours, it is important you feel you are living in a place that is safe for you and your family.
Garden hedges, bushes, trees and shrubs can easily overgrow into boundaries and neighbouring properties. If you notice an untidy outdoor space that's spreading into your garden, take the first step and approach your neighbour to see if you can resolve the issue together.
If this doesn't seem to work, you are within your rights to trim branches or roots that cross into your property from a neighbour’s property or a public road. In the first instance, check the official boundaries for your property in your legal paperwork. Make sure you only cut what is on your property (i.e. only what is overgrown), as you could be taken to court for damaging their property.
It's worth remembering that you have to settle a dispute informally before the council can get involved. Only complain to the council if the neighbouring garden is affecting the enjoyment of your own home or if evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs, plants or trees are over two metres tall.
As well as noise or aggressive pets, there are many different types of behaviour that are classified as anti-social. Anything from littering, to misusing fireworks and drinking on the streets all fall under this category. Under the Crime and Policing Act 2014 there are several measures including injunction and dispersal powers (dispersing gatherings or seizing equipment that is causing the anti-social behaviour).
If you find yourself in a situation where your neighbours may be acting in an anti-social way, don't be afraid to step forward and contact your local authority for the best way to deal with it.
