Category: Neighbour Disputes
Alternative Dispute Resolution: A Guide to Solving Neighbour Disputes
What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)? Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) refers to a range of processes that help people resolve disputes without having to go through the formal court system. In simple terms, ADR offers ways for neighbours and others in conflict to reach an agreement outside of court, often saving time, money, and stress.…
The Mediation Process for Neighbour Disputes
Introduction to Mediation for Neighbour Disputes Mediation is a practical and effective way to resolve disagreements between neighbours without the need for lengthy or costly court proceedings. At its core, mediation is a voluntary process where an independent, trained mediator helps both parties discuss their concerns, explore solutions, and reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Unlike…
Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) and Alternatives
What are Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs)? Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) were legal measures introduced in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to help tackle persistent anti-social behaviour that causes harm, distress, or alarm to individuals or communities. Their primary purpose was to prevent repeated actions such as intimidation, vandalism, or nuisance behaviour that often disrupts neighbourhood…
How to Stop Neighbour Harassment: Your Legal Rights and Next Steps
Understanding Neighbour Harassment Neighbour harassment involves a pattern of unwanted and distressing behaviour from someone living nearby. Unlike a one-off disagreement or minor annoyance, harassment is persistent and can seriously impact your wellbeing. Legally, harassment is defined under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 as conduct that causes alarm or distress and occurs on at…
Neighbour Harassment: Your Legal Rights and How to Take Action
Understanding Neighbour Harassment Neighbour harassment refers to any unwanted or aggressive behaviour by someone living nearby that causes you distress, alarm, or fear. This kind of behaviour can take many forms, but the common thread is that it disrupts your ability to enjoy your home and live peacefully. Examples of neighbour harassment include: The impact…
Boundary Disputes: Legal Overview
Understanding Boundary Disputes Boundary disputes arise when neighbours disagree about the exact line dividing their properties. These disagreements often centre on where a fence, wall, hedge, or even a tree is located, or whether it sits on one person’s land or the other’s. Sometimes, the issue stems from unclear or outdated property documents, making it…
How to Complain to Your Landlord About Noise in a Rented Home
Understanding Noise Problems as a Tenant Noise problems are a common issue for tenants in rented properties, and understanding what counts as a noise nuisance is an important first step before making a complaint to your landlord. In a rental context, a noise nuisance or disturbance is any unwanted or excessive sound that disrupts your…
Dispute Resolution & Mediation: Legal Overview
Understanding Dispute Resolution & Mediation Neighbour disputes can arise for many reasons, often involving issues such as excessive noise, disagreements over property boundaries, or damage caused to a neighbour’s property. These situations can quickly become stressful and disruptive to daily life. Understanding your options for resolving such conflicts is important, and in most cases, it’s…
How to Deal with Noise Complaints: Your Rights and Legal Options
Understanding Noise Complaints and Your Rights Noise complaints arise when sounds from a property or individual disrupt the peace, comfort, or health of others nearby. In the UK, not all noise is treated equally – what counts as “unacceptable” depends on factors such as the time of day, frequency, duration, and the type of noise…
Harassment Law in the UK
What is Harassment? What is Harassment? In the context of neighbour disputes, harassment refers to behaviour that is deliberate, persistent, and intended to cause distress, fear, or intimidation. Under UK law, harassment can take many forms, including repeated unwanted actions, threats, or conduct that significantly interferes with your right to enjoy your home peacefully. Examples…