How to Deal With Problematic Neighbours by Chris Marshall

Disputes with neighbours are quite uncommon but where they do arise it can make living in your own home a constant nightmare. The key factor with any kind of dispute with a neighbour is to try and solve the problem as quickly and as amicably as possible. For example, a neighbour who plays their music too loud may not realise that it effects you, especially if you don't complain to them directly about it. By addressing the issue as soon as it arises then it will bring the matter to the attention of the noisy neighbour and hopefully this will be enough to ensure they keep the volume down in future.

Also by addressing the problem early, it means that you do not build up frustration and anger which could boil over at a later date. It means that if a neighbour fails to help address the problems and if they continue then you can look to get the proper authorities involved.

For minor incidents consider contacting your landlord or housing authority if both you and your neighbour live in rented accommodation. You could also contact your local council or local police on a non-emergency number as they may be able to offer you some advice or pass on the details of who can help you.

For more serious incidents, particularly where the law is being broken, and where any threats of, or actual, violence occur then report it to the police.

It is recommended that in any case of dispute with a neighbour for any reason that you keep a diary of events. This means you can present to the relevant authorities just what has happened and when. Make a note of when things happen and just what happened. Where possible keep notes of any quotes, threats or damage that has occured. Keep it factual as fabrication of the truth may not only weaken your case but it could lead to it being dismissed.

Powers given to the police and local authorities under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 have enabled them, under certain circumstances, to impose restrictions on people who persistently behave in an anti-social way. Several areas have imposed Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) on individuals or families to stop them committing certain acts, restricting their movements or even imposing curfews. If people break the terms of the ASBO then they can be jailed or fined, or both.

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