Neighbour Disputes – what can you do about them?

Disagreements between neighbours can quickly escalate, often making home life uncomfortable and distressing. Whether it’s a boundary issue, excessive noise, or inappropriate conduct, disputes can take many forms.

At Ashtons Legal, we understand how sensitive and disruptive these situations can be, and we’re here to help you find a practical and legal resolution.

Understanding the nature of neighbour disputes

Neighbour disputes can arise from a wide range of issues, including:

• Boundary disagreements
• Noise complaints
• Overhanging trees or hedges
• Shared access or right of way disputes
• Persistent unwanted behaviours or harassment.

While many disputes can be resolved informally with a conversation, sometimes matters escalate to a point where legal advice becomes necessary.

When neighbourly behaviour crosses the line

Tensions between neighbours can, at times, move beyond typical disagreements and enter the territory of unreasonable or unlawful conduct. This may include:

• Harassment: persistent unwanted contact, intimidation, or threatening behaviour.
• Defamation: spreading false statements that damage your reputation.
• Verbal abuse or aggressive confrontation
• Unjustified interference with your property.

Where such behaviour persists, legal remedies may be available to you.

Applying for an Injunction under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997

In serious cases of harassment, it may be possible to apply for an injunction under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. This legal remedy is designed to protect individuals from conduct that causes significant alarm and/or distress.

To be successful in a claim for an injunction, the threshold is high. The courts require evidence of a course of conduct that involves at least two incidents and is clearly targeted at an individual. It must be shown that the behaviour is oppressive and unreasonable, not just inconvenient or irritating. A failed application for an injunction can embolden your opponent so it is essential to take proper legal advice before proceedings down this route.

We recommend keeping a detailed record of incidents, including dates, times, and descriptions, which can be vital if court action becomes necessary.

Unwarranted behaviour in property disputes

Neighbour issues often intersect with property-related disputes. For example:

• Entering your land without permission (trespass)
• Damaging boundary fences, walls, or hedges
• Refusing to cooperate on shared maintenance responsibilities
• Installing intrusive CCTV camera or lighting.

Such actions may not only amount to civil wrongdoing but may also involve criminal implications depending on their nature and severity. In many cases, early legal intervention can help de-escalate matters and avoid formal proceedings.

Nuisance claims can be brought to tackle such behaviour. This can be by way of a common law nuisance claim or through a nuisance clause typically found within transfers.

How Ashtons Legal can help

At Ashtons Legal, our experienced residential disputes team offers practical and proportionate advice on how to deal with difficult neighbours. We aim to:

• Assess the situation sensitively and thoroughly
• Explore informal and formal resolution routes
• Send solicitor’s letters where appropriate
• Support you in applications for injunctions or damages
• Guide you through mediation or court processes if needed.

Contact our Property Disputes solicitors today

We understand that home should be a place of peace—not conflict. If you’re facing a difficult neighbour dispute and don’t know where to turn, speak to our friendly and expert team today. We will talk through your options and help you find the best path forward.

Please get in touch with our specialist Property Litigation team by using our online enquiry form or calling 0330 404 0738.