Everybody needs good neighbours
Avoiding neighbour disputes
In the latest in our series on tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB), we’re looking at avoiding neighbour disputes and what to do if they happen.
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Your home is part of a local community. Whether you’re the life and soul of the party, or prefer to keep yourself to yourself, life is much easier if you get on with your neighbours. There are many benefits to living in an area where there is a community. It can improve the area and your own wellbeing.
Being a good neighbour is about being considerate and respecting people’s private space and awareness of how your own behaviour could affect others. It also means being tolerant of different people’s views and lifestyles.
Although we’re aware of far more examples of happy neighbours, we have experienced the other end of the scale – and nearly half of our open ASB cases relate to noise nuisance or neighbour complaints. Generally, the problem starts with a minor incident or lack of understanding on how behaviour impacts others. It can then grow from there.
Noise
Such as radios, stereos, and televisions being too loud, especially late at night.
Parking
Parking inconsiderately, or in someone’s allocated bay.
Pets
Fouling or excessive noise.
Use of communal areas
Leaving rubbish or items that block entrances.
Parties
If you are planning a party, it’s a good idea to let you neighbours know and tell them when you are likely to finish, and stick to that. People tend to have few objections to one-off events but if you have them regularly, you may wish to consider an alternative place to have them.
Bulky waste
If you are arranging for a collection of a bulky item, please put it outside just before collection. Noone wants to spend weeks walking past a washing machine to get to their home.
If your neighbour is doing something that is affecting you, raise it with them if you can. Remember, your neighbour may not realise that they are causing a problem, and often a friendly word can be enough. The best thing to do is calmly discuss the situation or problem, and if necessary, be willing to compromise.
We know having a dispute can be distressing for everyone involved so it’s better to try and resolve it quickly.
If you can’t reach a compromise with your neighbour, please contact us. We’ll let you know if we will be able to help you deal with it and if not, we’ll advise you of what you can do next – which could include using our conflict resolution service. You can find out more about the types of anti-social behaviour we can support with here.
A real example:
Mr A and Mr Z considered themselves friends until a disagreement over noise. Rather than working it out together – or speaking with us for some advice and support, one neighbour continued making noise, while the other started matching it. The police were frequently called and both neighbours invaded each other’s privacy through excessive recording and monitoring. Both were stressed and unhappy but refused to resolve the situation. The result is a Community Protection Order to keep the peace which, if broken, could result in a £2,000 fine. At this point nobody wins – we hope the order gives some space for the situation to calm and we plan to work with both to resolve the situation so that no further action is needed.
