Neighbourhood issues

This content applies to England only.

Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. This page applies to England only. Get advice relating to Scotland

This section deals with some of the problems that you might come across in your neighbourhood, and how to go about dealing with them.

If you need more information about issues in your area, visit the Government's Respect website or contact a local adviser - use our directory to find one.

Avoiding neighbour disputes

Follow these simple tips to show your neighbours that you want to get on with them. This will make it easier to talk through any problems that arise. Read more 

Negotiation and mediation

Ways of resolving neighbour disputes without going to court or taking other steps that might make it difficult to continue to live near each other. Read more 

Boundary disagreements

Physical and legal boundaries aren't always clear and often lead to disputes between neighbours. Read more 

Noise nuisance

Noise is one of the big problems of modern living. If noise nuisance is really getting to you here are some suggestions as to what you can do about it. Read more 

Antisocial behaviour

If you're distressed by your neighbours' actions, or complaints have been made about you, find out what you can do to improve the situation. Read more 

Harassment

The law can protect you from harassment. In most cases, the action you can take will depend on who is carrying out the harassment. Read more 

Discrimination

Outlines which types of discrimination are illegal, and the steps that you can take to stop it. Read more 

Crime and vandalism

What you may be able to do about criminal damage such as vandalism to homes, cars and other private property, damage to public property and businesses, arson and graffiti. Read more 

Environmental issues

Possible approaches to litter, fly tipping, pests and vermin, pollution, and recycling. Read more 

Planning and development

Building work can be noisy and disruptive. Find out about planning permission and compulsory purchase and read our tips on how to keep problems with neighbours to a minimum. Read more 

Residents' associations

Residents' associations can put pressure on bad landlords and freeholders, or help local residents to tackle problems such antisocial behaviour, noise nuisance and vandalism. Read more