Neighbourhood issues
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. 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, use our directory to find an adviser.
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.
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.
Boundary disagreements
Physical and legal boundaries aren't always clear and often lead to disputes between neighbours.
Noise problems
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.
Dealing with 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.
Harassment in your area
The law can protect you from harassment. In most cases, the action you can take will depend on who is carrying out the harassment.
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.
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.
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.
