Disputes between neighbours are not uncommon. A recent report shows that around 60% of people in England and Wales have fallen out with their neighbour or felt negatively towards them, with 16% admitting this has happened “many times”.
Disagreements can arise for various reasons. However, unless any issues are dealt with swiftly and effectively, neighbour disputes can escalate into full-scale fallings out, which can prove extremely stressful, inconvenient and costly for everyone involved.
In this blog, our Civil Litigation lawyers look at some common causes of neighbour disputes and explain how a solicitor can help.
What causes neighbour disputes?
Disagreements between neighbours can happen for various reasons. Some of the most common causes of neighbour disputes include:
Disagreements can happen between neighbours and other people in your locality for various reasons.
Some of the most common causes of neighbour dispute include:
- Noise. Excessive noise during anti-social hours, loud music, barking dogs, and construction work can all disrupt another person’s peace and quiet.
- Anti-social behaviour. A poorly maintained property, harassment, vandalism or dumping rubbish can often impact on another person’s quality of life.
- Parking. Disputes can arise over parking issues, such as a car blocking a driveway or being parked in front of someone else’s house.
- Boundaries. Disagreements over boundaries, including overgrown hedges or broken fences, along with whose responsibility they are to rectify can cause problems.
- Party wall disputes. Neighbours can fall our over party walls, for example when one neighbour wants to build up to the property boundary, but the other disagrees.
What should you do if you fall out with your neighbour?
The first step towards resolving a neighbour dispute is usually to talk to them about it.
Staying calm and talking about your concerns in a non-confrontational manner can help to diffuse the situation and increase the chances of you and your neighbour reaching an agreement about how to proceed.
Some neighbour disputes are considered a ‘statutory nuisance’ under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and can be raised with your local council.
Issues that may be considered a statutory nuisance include an accumulation of rubbish on a neighbour’s property, noise from premises or vehicles, and artificial light that interferes with the use or enjoyment of a home or other premises.
How does a solicitor help with disputes with neighbours?
Solicitors also often play a central role in helping people resolve neighbour disputes. An experienced civil litigation solicitor will clarify your legal position, help with communication and can advise on the most appropriate next steps for your situation.
If you are engaged in a dispute with a neighbour and need some legal advice, get in touch with Bowsers Solicitors.
Our specialist neighbour disputes solicitors in Wisbech and March help individuals in Cambridgeshire and across the UK resolve disagreements quickly and cost-effectively.
Find out how we can help by calling us on 01945 583194 (Wisbech) or 01354 652606 (March) or emailing reception@bowsers.co.uk.
Alternatively, you can fill in our contact form.
Common methods for neighbour disputes that our solicitors will consider include the following:
- Letter. A solicitor can draft a formal letter to your neighbour setting out your concerns and proposing a solution.
- Mediation. Mediation is a confidential and flexible process where a neutral, impartial third party (the mediator) helps disputing parties talk through issues, negotiate, and reach an agreement. Many solicitors are trained mediators, or can help you access mediation, which is a faster and more cost-effective way to resolve a dispute than through the courts.
- Court. If you are unable to resolve a dispute with a neighbour through mediation or other means of ADR, a solicitor can help you build a strong case and defend your interests in court.
- Compensation. A specialist civil litigation solicitor with experience in neighbour disputes will advise whether you might be entitled to compensation and advise on the best way of securing a settlement.
Neighbour Disputes Solicitors
Disputes with neighbours can happen for various reasons, and if they are not managed effectively, can be extremely disruptive.
At Bowsers Solicitors, our civil litigation solicitors in Wisbech and March advise clients in Cambridgeshire and across the UK on the most appropriate way to resolve neighbour disputes.
Our preference is to seek quick and cost-effective solutions to disputes through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods such as mediation wherever possible.
Avoiding the court process can prevent lengthy, emotionally challenging and expensive battles that can lead to further relationship breakdown between the parties involved.
Therefore, regardless of the nature of the issue, you should always speak to a legal professional.
For more information about our civil litigation legal service, or to speak to one of our experienced solicitors specialising in neighbour disputes, please contact us on 01945 583194 (Wisbech) or 01354 652606 (March), or email reception@bowsers.co.uk.
Alternatively, you can fill in our contact form.
