Resolving Neighbour Disputes: How and When to Take Action

Having neighbours can be a wonderfully positive experience, but disputes can arise unexpectedly for various reasons. Although dealing with a neighbour dispute may feel daunting, it is better to confront the issue head-on to reach a resolution.

Keep reading to learn how Almy & Thomas recommends navigating neighbour disputes to resolve issues peacefully and understand when legal action might be necessary.



Talk to Your Neighbour

Having a polite conversation with your neighbour face-to-face is often the quickest and most effective way of getting to the heart of the issue. Even if it doesn’t fix the problem straight away, it’s important to demonstrate your willingness to address the issue amicably.

However, if the idea of talking directly to your neighbour makes you feel uncomfortable, writing a letter is a good option. The letter should clearly describe the issue at hand and express the action you would like them to take. Ensure it is written in a respectful manner, as this can affect your neighbour’s desire to take action or ignore your request.

Contact a Third Party

If the neighbour dispute remains unresolved, consider reaching out to a third party for assistance. An independent mediator will listen to both sides of the issue and offer impartial advice to help you reach a fair agreement. Likewise, the local council can be contacted to help with ‘statutory nuisances’, which include issues such as antisocial behaviour, noise, rubbish, pets, repairs or building work.

Alternatively, if the issue relates to a criminal offence, you should consider contacting your local police. The police can deal with excessive noise complaints, issuing fines for failure to stop the noise after a warning or by confiscating speakers or other equipment producing sound.

Legal Action

Sometimes, sending a letter from a solicitor is enough to show your neighbour that you are serious about your complaint. The letter will help explain the legal position of the dispute, describing the potential legal consequences of failing to comply. Often, the letter alone is enough to deter the neighbour from continuing the undesirable behaviour or action.

However, when all the previous steps have been taken to resolve the issue by speaking with your neighbour and taking action through your local council, the last resort is legal action. Taking the neighbour to court can be successful in resolving the dispute, but it can damage your relationship with the neighbour.

Civil Litigation Solicitors

If you are thinking of taking court action for dispute resolution, you should consult civil litigation solicitors for legal advice regarding your case. At Almy & Thomas, we are a leading law firm in Torquay. We take a personal approach to legal advice, taking the time to really get to know our clients to ensure the legal advice we provide is specifically tailored to their specific situation.