One Man's Ceiling is Another Man's Floor: Tips on Resolving Neighbour Disputes

Whether you live in a semi-detached house or a block of flats, we often find ourselves tangled in a variety of social dynamics with our neighbours. While some of these dynamics can be harmonious, it’s common for others to turn sour, leading to disputes that disrupt the peace and quiet of our everyday lives. 

In many cases, beef with neighbours can be squashed through a polite approach. However, sometimes the action of a neighbour might be persistent and significantly interfere with your enjoyment of your home. In this case, more serious action needs to be taken. 

If you’re warring with a difficult neighbour, we’ve put together this list of tips on how to effectively deal with neighbour disputes, and when it’s time to call in the assistance of a civil litigation lawyer. 

Communication is Key

The first step you can take is to speak directly to your neighbour. A calm, polite conversation can often clear up misunderstandings and lead to a mutually agreed resolution. When discussing, it’s important to be honest about the situation and what steps you’d like them to take. 

If direct communication isn’t doable, consider writing a letter or an email that concisely describes the issue(s), your proposed resolution and a reasonable timescale for action. It’s worth noting that in cases where threats, harassment or violence have already occurred, it’s safer to skip direct communication and contact local authorities. 

Talk to the Landlord

If your neighbour is a tenant, contacting their landlord might help resolve disputes. Landlords naturally have a vested interest in their properties not being a source of disruption for others, so getting in touch and explaining the situation to them might motivate them to address the issue directly with their tenant. This approach is particularly useful if the dispute is over persistent antisocial behaviour that disrupts the peace of the neighbourhood. 

Keep Evidence

In situations where a dispute escalates to involve the local council or legal action, having evidence to hand is essential. This might include recording noise levels, taking photos of property infringements and maintaining a detailed record of incidents with dates and times. 

Documenting interactions with your neighbour and keeping copies of any written communication are equally as important. This evidence will become crucial in providing a clear and factual basis for your complaints - whether these be in mediation sessions, council hearings or court proceedings. 



Consult a Lawyer

If your previous efforts have proven fruitless, consulting with a civil litigation lawyer can be helpful - especially if the dispute escalates or involves complex legal matters like property boundaries. A solicitor can draft a formal letter to your neighbour, outlining the legal stance on the dispute. Taking this step often highlights the seriousness of the situation and can prompt a resolution. 

Seek Advice from Civil Litigation Lawyers in Torquay

Whether you require legal guidance to settle a neighbour dispute or want to pursue more serious legal action, the civil litigation lawyers at Almy & Thomas can help. Our experienced team can guide you through the dispute resolution process, and help you reach the best possible outcome for your case. For more information, please get in touch.