There are different types of disputes that can occur with your neighbour. Let’s take a look at what a legal dispute is, as well as some examples.
Having a dispute with your neighbour can be a serious issue. It’s important to try and resolve disputes amicably, because nobody wants to involve legal proceedings, but sometimes it’s unavoidable.
Understanding when you can pursue a dispute with your neighbour, as well as when you need to get dispute resolution solicitors involved, is very important. In this article, we’re going to take a look at what a legal dispute is, as well as some examples, and some tips on when you can dispute against your neighbour.
What is a Legal Dispute?
A legal dispute is typically a court case which is created by one person and brought against the other. It can happen for a number of different reasons.
In the context of raising a legal dispute against your neighbour, it’s usually something to do with disruption or antisocial behaviour. For whatever reason, you are not happy, and wish to seek legal action. This might be in an attempt to force the behaviour to stop, or for you to seek financial compensation for any repercussions.
There are a few different situations where you may wish to begin a legal dispute with your neighbour, so let’s take a look at them.
Construction Work
Construction work is a normal part of life. Your neighbours are entitled to conduct construction work if they have planning permission.
However, at the same time, this sort of work should not disrupt your life or be damaging to your property. If the construction work takes place at antisocial hours, then you could raise a dispute. You could also raise a dispute if it causes damage to your property, or if the noise is excessive.
Noise
Noise complaints are some of the most common transgressions that can take place between neighbours. It’s one of the biggest causes of a legal dispute, because one party simply has enough.
However, creating a legal dispute over noise is complicated. You have to be able to evidence that the noise is taking place at unsociable hours or for unreasonable periods. The boundaries for what is considered unsociable will vary from one place to the next.
Antisocial Behaviour
Antisocial behaviour occurs quite frequently, especially in urban areas. Antisocial behaviour is considered to be anything dangerous, harmful, or disruptive to the local area.
The initial reaction of some people will be to call the police for antisocial behaviour, but this is not always necessary. Sometimes, the police can’t do anything, in which case you have to raise a legal dispute.
Trees and Nature
Just like you, your neighbours are allowed to have trees and other large plants in the garden. However, if those trees or plants impact your garden or your light access, you will want them to do something about it.
Most neighbours will be happy to cut back trees or prune plants to stop them from intruding upon your garden. However, if they don’t do this, it may be necessary to raise a legal dispute. This will force them to make the necessary changes.
Boundary Disputes
Another example of where you may wish to dispute against your neighbour is if there is an issue with boundaries. This occurs when one neighbour believes that the other has encroached on their land with building work or fencing. If the victim has proof of the land they own, this can be solved via legal intervention.
How to Resolve Conflict with Your Neighbours
If you want to resolve conflict with your neighbours, there are a couple of different things you can do.
Obviously, it is often sensible to talk to your neighbour directly before taking any legal action. Explain the problem and ask them to make changes. However, this may not always work, so there are other choices.
For noise and antisocial behaviour, you can complain to the local council. They will provide you with surveillance equipment so you can record this behaviour. If there is enough evidence, they will intervene.
However, for many people, legal challenges are sometimes the only way to do things. The threat of a court case will often force neighbours into making compromises.
Disputes With Neighbours Are Not Always Avoidable
You can submit a legal challenge to your neighbour, for many reasons. Noise, construction, and antisocial behaviour are all common problems. If typical conflict resolution doesn’t work, then a court case may be the only available option.
However, this will be expensive for both parties and may require solicitors, so it should be a last resort. However, the threat of legal challenges often are a highly effective deterrent.