How do I sort out a dispute with my neighbour?

Step 1: talk or write to your neighbour

Try to raise the problem calmly before you involve anyone else. If you do not want to talk face to face, write a letter. Explain the problem clearly and stick to the facts.

If other neighbours have the same problem, ask them to join in. A complaint from several people can be easier to settle. A tenants' association may also help if you are a member.

Step 2: contact their landlord

If your neighbour rents, you can contact their landlord. This could be a housing association, the council or a private landlord.

Step 3: try mediation

Mediation is when an impartial person (the mediator) helps both sides reach an agreement. It is confidential and usually quicker and cheaper than court.

• England and Wales: use the Civil Mediation Council's search tool to find a mediator.
• Scotland: use the Scottish Mediation Network.
• Your council or housing association may also offer mediation.

Step 4: complain to the council about a nuisance

Your council has a duty to investigate a "statutory nuisance". This means something that harms health or is a nuisance, such as:

• noise, including loud music and barking dogs
• artificial light (not street lamps)
• dust, steam, smells or insects from business premises
• smoke, fumes or gases
• a build-up of rubbish that could harm health

If the council decides there is a noise nuisance, it must issue a noise abatement order telling the person what to stop. Breaking the order can mean a fine.

Hedges, trees and boundaries

You can complain to the council about a high hedge if it is:

• 2 or more mostly evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs
• over 2 metres tall
• spoiling your enjoyment of your home because of its height

You must try to sort it out with your neighbour first, and the council may charge a fee.

You can cut branches or roots that cross onto your land, but only up to the boundary. Ask the council first if the tree is protected (for example, in a conservation area). For a boundary dispute, get legal advice. If you plan work on a shared (party) wall, you must give your neighbour notice first.

Step 5: call the police

Contact the police if your neighbour:

• is violent, threatening or abusive
• harasses you sexually, or because of your sexuality, religion or ethnic background
• is breaking the law in any other way, or you suspect they are

In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101 if it is not an emergency.

Step 6: court, as a last resort

Going to court can be expensive, with court fees and solicitor costs. Use it only when nothing else has worked. You can get free legal advice from a law centre, an advice centre or Citizens Advice.

If you live in Scotland

Your council can help arrange mediation and can take action such as fines or court orders. If you are unhappy with how the council or police dealt with your report, you can complain through their own complaints process.

Related guides

• How do I resolve a boundary dispute with my neighbour?
• How do I make a noise complaint to the council?
• How do I report antisocial behaviour?
• What is a party wall agreement and when do I need one?
• What is a tree preservation order?

Where this comes from

• How to resolve neighbour disputes (GOV.UK)
• Talk to your neighbour (GOV.UK)
• Use a mediation service (GOV.UK)
• Complain about noise to the council (GOV.UK)
• High hedges, trees and boundaries (GOV.UK)
• Call the police (GOV.UK)
• Take action through the courts (GOV.UK)
• Antisocial behaviour (mygov.scot)