Being a Good Neighbour...
Below are our articles on the subject of Being a Good Neighbour. If you can't see what you are looking for our other categories are displayed on the left under 'Our Quick Links'...
Adverse Possession and Your Neighbour's Fence
Have you been using a part of your neighbour's garden because of a boundary mix up? Find out whether adverse possession is a relevant factor in our guide which explains all....
Anti-Social Behaviour & Children
The more common incidents involving children and anti-social behaviour, and what measures are in place to ensure that children are not permitted to repeatedly engage in anti-social behaviour....
Anti-Social Behaviour from your Neighbours
This article explains what constitutes antisocial behaviour, and what you can do if you experience antisocial behaviour....
Applying for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order
Local authorities and landlords/housing associations can assist with applications for ASBOs against a person involved with anti-social behaviour. Find out how you can take your case further if you fee...
Being Bullied by a Neighbour? What You Can Do
It can be a nightmare if you're the victim of local bullies, so what can you do if you or your child is affected?...
Benefits of a Homewatch Scheme
As well as reducing and deterring crime, neighbourhood watch schemes can provide many additional benefits to a local community....
Bonfire Nuisance in Your Neighbourhood
When having a bonfire at home, make sure it is safe, causes as little inconvenience to neighbours as possible, and that you are complying with the law....
Boundary Disputes: Frequent Questions
Boundary disputes are commonplace but it pays to maintain a good relationship with your neighbour. Here are some frequently asked questions to show you what is an what isn't acceptable....
CCTV, Privacy and The Law
Why it’s important that CCTV is installed correctly at home and is only used for its expected intended purpose, or you could be open to other forms of investigation....
Checking out an Area Before Moving In
It's crucial that you check out a neighbourhood before you move in, in order to establish its suitability. Here's some advice on how to go about it....
Contacting Your MP About a Neighbourhood Problem
When to contact your MP over a neighbourhood dispute, and who might be the best person to deal with your issue....
Creating a Friendly Neighbourhood
A friendly neighbourhood is far better than living in an unfriendly one, and this is quite easy to achieve as long as everybody makes their own little positive contribution to the cause....
Curbing Dog Barking for Dog Owners
The reasons a dog is likely to bark incessantly and how you can train it and use other useful mechanisms to reduce the amount of barking your dog makes....
Dangers of Vigilantism
A vigilante group can often escalate problems in a neighbourhood, as opposed to trying to rectify them, so it's important to understand how taking vigilante action can be very dangerous for you....
Dealing with Anti-Social Behaviour
How to deal with anti-social behaviour by keeping records, tackling the problems yourself, and knowing when to contact the police and your local authority. Plus, learn about the range of powers the co...
Dealing with Barking Dogs
Ways you might choose to confront a neighbour about a dog barking problem, and legal action that can result if the problem is not brought under control....
Dealing With Dangerous Dogs
Understanding the main points of the Dangerous Dogs Act with regard to banned breeds and the penalties you might face. And how to deal with a dog if you feel you are about to be attacked or are attack...
Dealing with Infestation
Your local authority will deal with the likes of rat infestation, but it may be up to you to sort out or privately hire a pest controller to deal with other infestation issues....
Dealing with Noisy Neighbours
Noisy neighbours may often not be aware of the problems they are causing, so speaking with them directly at an appropriate time is often the most effective way of resolving a noise problem you’re expe...
Dealing with Pet Problems
How to deal with pet problems and the organisations you should turn to if you’re unable to resolve issues surrounding neighbours’ pets directly....
Establishing Rights Over Fences & Boundaries
The legal position with regards to boundary and fence disputes, and how neighbours can often solve the problems themselves without having to resort to expensive legal action....
Gaining Access to Neighbour's Land
Can you gain access to a neighbour’s land to undertake repairs? What does the law says in terms of any justification for granting an access order? We explain...
Getting a Solicitor Involved
How a solicitor can help you if you need to consider legal action to resolve a particular dispute with a neighbour, and how legal aid can help with costs in some cases, and other free options....
Getting to Know Your Neighbours
It can be hard to make friends when you move into a new area, but here's how to make the best impression on a new neighbourhood....
Guide to the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act
Police, courts and local authorities have additional powers to deal with antisocial behaviour following the implementation of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Here is our guide t...
Hints and Tips on Dealing With Troublesome Neighbours
Sometimes neighbours can be thoughtless, so how can you resolve problem neighbour issues without making it a hige dispute?...
How Big a Problem Are Problem Neighbours?
Everyone fears moving into a new house and living next door to the neighbours from hell. But what are the chances of this happening? Well, check out the statistics......
How Do I Find Out if Neighbour is a Sex Offender?
What can you do if you suspect a sex offender is living in your street? Find out what the law says here....
How I Dealt With Neighbours' Noise: A Case Study
When a couple from the South of England moved into a new build in 2007 they found that their idea about starting a new life and settling down were ruined by inconsiderate neighbours....
How to Cope in a Shared House
A tale of two house shares - one that worked and one that didn't!...
How to Deal With a Neighbour 'Stalking' You
Stalking can be a frightening experience and it is a criminal offence. Here's what to do if you suspect that you are being stalked by a neighbour....
How to Deal With Environmental Nuisances Caused by Neighbours
How issues like graffiti, fly posting, fly tipping and abandoned vehicles can blight a community and what you can do if you witness any instances of these types of behaviour occurring in your local co...
How To Diarise Nuisance Behaviour Efficiently
How to keep a diary or record of incidents of nuisance behaviour, things you should include in your diary, and why it’s important that you don’t put yourself at risk of physical harm in your evidence ...
How to Tackle the Youths Gathering Outside your House
How to deal with youths outside your house, and the ways in which residents, the police, local community groups and teenagers can work together to improve the community....
Is Your Neighbour Stealing from You?
Crafty neighbours could be helping themselves to your property on the quiet...here's what to do....
Landlord Repairs: The Role of Environmental Health
What exactly does an Environmental Health Officer do? His/her role is extremely varied, but is becoming increasingly concerned with substandard housing. Here, Abigail Taylor explains how the EHO acted...
Legal Aid Cuts Make Fighting Disputes More Expensive
Legal Aid is among the budgets being cut by the government. Find out how could this affect you in a neighbour dispute....
Letter Template: Asking Neighbour To Meet About Dispute
If you have tried and failed to resolve an ongoing dispute with your neighbour you might want to try an alternative solution. A good way to try and resolve a dispute is by using a third party mediatio...
Letter Template: Inconsiderate Parking in Your Road
Do you live in one of those roads where it's really difficult to find a parking space? Is someone always blocking your access, preventing your from using the pavement with a pram, wheelchair etc? The...
Letter Template: Neighbour Blocking Shared Access Way
Is your neighbour persistently blocking your shared access with bin bags, a bicycle, wheelie bins etc? We've put together two templates to help you drop them an informal note and (if necessary) follow...
Letter Template: Neighbour Blocking Your Driveway
Is your neighbour constantly parking across the entrance to your driveway? Here are two letter templates (an informal note and a formal letter) to help you deal with the problem....
Letter Template: Neighbour's Children & Ball Games
Problems with neighbour's children playing ball games too near your house, or constantly retrieving their ball from your garden? We have put two letter templates together to help you address this....
Letter Template: Neighbour's Dog Barking
A letter template to help you deal with your neighbour's dog barking constantly....
Letter Template: Neighbour's Dog Fouling
If your neighbour allows their dog to defecate outside your property in a shared space you will need to know how to tackle this problem. Our letter templates include an informal note and a formal foll...
Letter Template: Noisy Neighbours
Our letter templates help you with an informal note and a subsequent formal letter to your neighbour about excessive noise....
Letter Template: Problem with Neighbour's Tree
Do you think your neighbours tree poses a danger to your property? If so make them aware of it - they should take steps to assess the tree's potential to cause damage and if necessary take action to p...
Looking Out for Elderly Neighbours
Elderly neighbours are often proud to accept any help, so how do you keep an eye on them without imposing?...
Looking Out for Elderly Neighbours in Cold Weather
Older people are more vulnerable when the weather gets colder, so spare a little time for your elderly neighbours and look out for them over the winter....
Maintenance of Shared Facilities
How every effort should be made to agree to sharing the cost of repairs and maintenance which affect both your own and your immediate neighbour’s property....
Making New Neighbours Feel Welcome
So you have new neighbours? Here are some helpful hints on making them feel welcome and helping them to settle into the neighbourhood....
Making Your Neighbourhood a Nicer Place
Making the area you live in a better place isn't just down to other people......
My Neighbour's Home Improvements: Can I Object?
If you don't like the idea of your neighbour's new conservatory, what can you do? Find out what are the permitted development rights....
My Rights Regarding my Neighbour's Trees?
Find out what your rights are when your neighbour's trees are causing damage to your property....
Neighbour Blames My Builder for Damage
If a neighbour claims damage to his roof was caused by your builder, don't offer to pay straight away. Instead, find out how you can identify the real cause and resolve the matter fairly....
Neighbour Drainage and Guttering Issues
Sharing drainage and guttering facilities can lead to falling out when things go wrong - so who is legally responsible?...
Neighbour Guide: Wood Burning Stoves and Chimineas
Plumes of smoke coming from your neighbour's garden or chimney? Here's exactly what to do about those wood burning stove and chiminea problems....
Noisy Flat Above is There Anyting We Can Do
If you're suffering from excessive noise levels in a property above you, here's the best way to tackle the problem....
Overgrown and Messy Gardens
What you can and can’t do if your neighbour's garden is messy and overgrown, and how you can seek advice from your local environmental health department....
Own a Driveway But Park on Road: What's the Law?
Parking is a common source of tension between neighbours, especially when these days many households have more than one car to park - but can you force a neighbour to park on their own driveway?...
Parking Disputes Between Neighbours
Common courtesy and mutual respect should determine parking policies on public highways in residential areas, but it’s important to know the law with regard to the Highway Code....
Personal Issues: When Disputes Get Nasty
Sometimes a dispute with the neighbours can get personal and can make your life miserable. So what's the solution?...
Planning a Party: Respecting Your Neighbours
Simple steps and common courtesies you can take to reduce the risk of annoying your closest neighbours if you’re planning to have a party at home....
Planning Disputes: Who Pays?
Planning disputes can arise in a huge variety of circumstances - and they can be expensive. You should make sure you understand who bears the cost....
Plans to Speed Up Evictions for Problem Neighbour
At last, the rights of tenants are being taken seriously when it comes to antisocial behaviour......
Police Forced to Deal with Anti Social Neighbours
The government's proposed 'community trigger' would force local agencies to act when anti-social behaviour was reported by five separate households....
Problem Dogs: the Law and Who to Contact
Neighbours with dogs. Disputes relating to this topic feature highly in our comments section. So whether your neighbour's dog tries to get into your property, seems agressive, seems to be out of contr...
Problems Living In, or Near a Student House
It's the neighbourhood nightmare - the house next door is full of students!...
Problems With Drains: Who is Responsible for What?
Blocked drains can be a source of tension between neighbours, but how do you find out who is really responsible?...
Problems With Neighbouring Trees: Action Guide
This action guide explains what to do if you share a boundary with a neighbouring property and have problems relating to trees or hedges along that boundary....
Problems With Neighbours' Children
How to deal with the most common child-related neighbourhood problems....
Problems With the Neighbours at Christmas
It's the time of goodwill to all men - but Christmas and New Year parties can test your patience. Here's some good advice when dealing with noisy neighbours during the festive period....
Protection from Harassment
How the law protects you from harassment and what you should do if you feel you have become a victim of harassment....
Public Rights of Way in England and Wales
We take a look at the different types of public rights of way in England and Wales, as well as the obligations of the land owners and what is expected of the public when accessing these rights of way....
Quiz: Are You a Good Neighbour?
How do you know whether you're a good neighbour? Take our quiz to find out what you're like to live next door to and how you can improve your neighbourliness....
Quiz: Are You a Neighbour from Hell?
Are you a good neighbour or a neighbour from hell? These three questions will prove if you are a great person to live next to or someone to run a mile from!...
Recognised Tenants' Associations and What They Can Do
Establishing a registered tenants' associations will give you more say in your neighbourhood. Here's how to set one up and how to organise funding....
Rules on Hedges & Roots Growing into your Property
The rights, obligations and restrictions when it comes to hedges, particularly those which are on adjoining properties. What you need to do if there’s a dispute....
Selling a House With Problem Neighbours
Advice on selling your house when you’ve got problem neighbours and understanding your responsibilities to prospective buyers....
Soundproofing Your Property
Soundproofing your home can be a cheap DIY job. But if you want to professionally soundproof your home, you'll need to turn to the experts....
Stop Off-road Vehicles Using Public Footpaths and the Countryside
If you live near countryside, a park, a playing field or woodland, you may have come across motorbikes, quadbikes and other vehicles that you consider to be a danger. Is this legal? What can you do ab...
The Housing Act 1996 Explained
An overview of the key provisions of the Housing Act 1996 relating to the powers of social landlords to take action against tenants who engage in anti-social behaviour....
The Laws on Dangerous Dogs
Find out about the legal action you can resort to when dealing with dangerous or troublesome dogs, and the legal responsibilities which owners need to be aware of....
The Most Common Neighbourhood Disputes
Hopefully your neighbourhood is a peaceful place to live, but not everyone is so lucky. Here are the most common neighbourhood disputes....
Tips on How to be a Good Neighbour
Steps you can take and considerations to bear in mind if you want to be known as a good neighbour who is popular among other members of the local community....
Top Tips When You're the New Neighbour
Moving into a new neighbourhood can be a little daunting, so follow these top tips to ensure you fit in with your new surroundings and neighbours....
Unhappy With a Neighbour's High Hedge?
What action can you take regarding your neighbour's high hedges? We explain the regulations surrounding high hedges and how you can take action....
Using Loudspeakers at Home
Why it’s important you try to reach some kind of compromise with your neighbours regarding the use of loudspeakers, and how legal action can be taken against you if you do not comply with the law....
What Are Restrictive Covenants?
What are restrictive covenants and what are the options and legal obligations if one has been breached?...
What are the Laws on Squatters?
The law on squatters - how to issue a repossession claim against squatters, or trespassers, in order to get back a property which has been occupied without permission....
What Can we do About a Neighbour's CCTV Camera?
A question about a neighbour's CCTV camera and what the laws are regarding this....
What Can we do About our Neighbour's Noisy Dogs?
Find out what can be done is you are suffering from the constant barking of your next-door neighbour's dogs....
What Constitutes Noise Pollution?
The major factors which constitute neighbourhood noise pollution. What can be done to avoid disagreements with neighbours and what measures can be taken by the environmental health department and the ...
What if a Child Sex Offender is Living in Your Area?
How child sex offenders are monitored and managed within the community and what rights you have with regards to the information you are able to access about a child sex offender who may be living in y...
What is an Eviction Notice?
The legal responsibilities of a landlord when it comes to serving an eviction notice and how your rights as a tenant will differ depending on the type of tenancy agreement you have. What could happen ...
What is the Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003?
The Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003 and how it could help with your problem neighbour issues....
What Should we do About Our Neighbour's Complaining?
Our new neighbours are complaining about the noise coming from our rented flat, but the previous neighbours had no issue. The problem is they are pushing out our tenants. What can we do?...
What to Do About Noisy, Dirty or Aggressive Animals
Pets can be a nuisance - and sometimes dangerous, too. Here is some advice on dealing with noisy, dirty or aggressive animals in your neighbourhood....
What to Do About Racist Behaviour?
Are you a victim of racism by your neighbours? What should you do if you think you may be?...
What to do About Teenage Gangs
How it’s important to recognise the difference between teenage groups congregating to chat and those who are out to cause nuisance or intimidation, and why it’s important that you let the police deal ...
What to do if Neighbours are Spreading Rumours About you
It’s important not to overreact if you hear untrue rumours being spread about you by a neighbour, but find out what action you can take if the rumours lead to harassment....
What to do if you Suspect Your Neighbours of Drug Offences
How to spot the telltale signs that drug use may be happening within your community, and the importance of reporting any activity you deem suspicious to the police....
What to do if you Think a Neighbour is Contravening Planning Regulations
Understanding the importance of complying with planning permission, and how you can inform your local planning department if you believe a neighbour has contravened planning regulations....
What to do if You're a Victim of a Neighbour's Violence
What to do if you are the victim of a neighbour’s violence, and how getting to safety and receiving medical treatment if needed should be your priority....
What to do if You're Concerned About the Health of a Neighbour
Ways of determining whether a neighbour’s health might be poor and what you can do to help. Using tact and diplomacy to decide whether you need to take further action and what to do in the event of an...
What to Do When You're Planning Building Work
Your neighbours are unlikely to be pleased about building work so find out how best to get them on side before the work begins....
What You Have to Declare About Neighbours When Selling
What information do you need to tell prospective buyers about your neighbours since the HIPS was suspended?...
When Disputes Can Result in Discrimination
Neighbourhood disputes can sometimes result in illegal discrimination. Find out what you can do about this if it happens to you and organisations you can turn to for support and advice....
When Mediation Can Help in Neighbour Disputes
How mediation services can facilitate an acceptable resolution to a dispute between neighbours, and the benefits to both parties as a result of taking this course of action....
When to Consider Legal Action
When legal action might be appropriate to resolve specific types of issues or crime related incidents between neighbours, and how, wherever possible, you should look to explore all possible avenues be...
When to Get the Police Involved
When you should get the police involved in any dispute between neighbours or there is a serious incident in your neighbourhood, and what is the difference between calling 999 and your local constabula...
When you Should Contact your Local Environmental Health Department
The many different areas and issues which your local environmental health department would deal with, and how they can help to resolve many matters in your neighbourhood....
Who Actually Talks to Their Neighbours?
The importance of talking to your neighbours may mean more than you think. We explain how simply communicating more often can prevent a number of problems escalating....
Who to Contact when in Rented Accommodation
Who to contact if you live in rented property and are unable to resolve a dispute with a neighbour, and how your rights are the same as home owners....
Wood Burning Stove: Can Neighbour Object?
A neighbour is objecting to the smoke produced from the wood burning stove. We look at what should be done and who should be contacted....
Your Confidentiality Rights if Reporting a Neighbour
How information you pass onto your local authority, housing association or police about a neighbour will be treated in the strictest confidence....
Your Rights on Trees & Overhanging Branches
What your rights are with regards to trees and overhanging branches between your own and your neighbour’s property, and the laws that regulate what you can and cannot do....
Your Rights Under Noise & Statutory Nuisance Act 1993
How the noise and statutory nuisance act works in conjunction with other acts to protect you from nuisance noise. Find out how the Environmental Health Department can assist you and what you can do if...
Your Rights Under the Access to Neighbouring Land Act 1992
If you can't reach an agreement over gaining access to your neighbour's land, you can apply for an access order under the Access to Neighbouring Land Act 1992. Find out what the Act does and does not ...
Your Rights Under the Clean Air Act 1993
How the clean air Act 1993 aims to ensure we are not exposed to the dangers of excessive and damaging smoke, and what we need to do as individuals businesses to ensure we’re compliant with the legisla...
Your Rights Under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998
The main points of legislation and your rights under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and how it was introduced to devolve more power to local authorities in an effort to reduce crime and disorder in t...
Your Rights Under the Criminal Justice & Police Act 2001
How the criminal justice and police act 2001 is aimed at combating crime and disorder within our local community and the powers which the police have to ensure they can achieve these aims....
Your Rights Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990
How the environmental protection act 1990 aims to keep the environment in your community safe, and understanding your rights with regards to any nuisance caused by things such as noise, waste manageme...
Your Rights Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000
Your rights to accessing information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. How to make a request and what to do if you need to make an appeal....
Your Rights Under the Human Rights Act 1998
Some of the basic fundamental human rights you are entitled to under The Human Rights Act 1998, and how you can take matters further if you feel your human rights are being abused or undermined....
Your Rights Under the Local Government Act 2000
How the Local Government Act 2000 was established to give more power to local authority’s which had previously been the responsibility of central government, and how in doing so they can best serve th...
Your Rights Under the Noise Act 1996
Your rights under The Noise Act 1996 and what those who do not comply can expect to happen in terms of legal action that can be taken against them....
Your Rights Under the Party Wall Act 1996
How to comply with the Party Wall Act 1996 when making any structural alterations to a party wall, and what action to take if you have a dispute with your neighbour....
Your Rights Under the Protection From Harassment Act 1997
What constitutes harassment and what action you can take if you feel you are being harassed. Plus how a person could still be found guilty of harassment even if it was not their intention to harm or d...