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The best way to solve a problem with your neighbour is by talking to each other. If talking doesn't work you may be able to take another approach.
Most of the other solutions to neighbour disputes are likely to damage your relationship with your neighbours so that life may become very unpleasant even if you settle your dispute.
Talk to your neighbour
Talk to your neighbour and try to see their point of view. In most neighbour disputes there isn't a law being broken. It is usually a case of a clash of lifestyles.
Explain your problem to your neighbour. If you feel that you may not be able to control your temper it may be best to write to your neighbour. However, writing letters rather than talking can mean that it is harder to make progress.
You may be able to get help from local mediators if talking to your neighbour directly has failed. Mediation Northern Ireland can help you examine you options.
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Contact the Landlord
You may have to contact the landlord if your neighbour is renting and refuses to cooperate when approached directly. However, you should be aware that complaining to the landlord might result in your neighbour being evicted.
If your neighbour is a Housing Executive tenant, your local District Office may be able to help you to resolve the problem. If your neighbour is a housing association tenant, the housing association may be able to help you to resolve the problem.
A private landlord may also be able to help you. If it is possible to find out who the landlord is, s/he might be prepared to talk to the tenant about the problem. A private landlord can also evict a tenant for being a nuisance to neighbours.
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Contact the Police
You may want to call the police if you think your neighbour is carrying out a criminal offence. The most likely offences in the case of neighbour disputes are:
- breach of the peace,
- cruelty,
- assault,
- trespass.
It may be useful to have a record of calling out the police if you are considering taking legal action against your neighbour. Complaints made to the PSNI about anti-social behaviour are treated as confidential.
If you feel you have been the victim of hate crime, you should report this to the police. Hate crime is any incident perceived to have been committed against you of your property because of your ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, political opinion or disability. You can report a hate crime online on the PSNI website. In an emergency, you should contact the emergency services by calling 999.
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Contact the Environmental Health Department
If your neighbour has lots of rubbish lying around the house or has attracted vermin you may want to contact the  Environmental Health Department of your local council. Your local council can also help if you are having a problem with noise.
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Look at relevant documents
Contact the Planning Service if the dispute relates to planning permission. The Planning Service can tell you if planning permission has been applied for, or granted.
Leases or deeds are a useful source of information on the rights and duties of a homeowner. For example, they may outline who is responsible for carrying out repairs or whether you can access your neighbour's property.
Your title deeds are held by the bank or building society you have your mortgage with. You may also be able to get a copy of your lease from the Land Registry.
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Consult a solicitor
A solicitor's letter may make your neighbour realise that you are serious about your complaint. Getting a solicitor involved is a formal step to take. Involving a solicitor usually reduces the possibilities of an amicable settlement between neighbours.
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Take court action
Going to court is the final step you can take in a neighbour dispute. You may be able to take civil action for:
- nuisance,
- damages,
- trespass.
Although you may resolve your problem, it is expensive and it is practically certain to destroy your relationship with your neighbours.
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Move House
If you are unable to live beside your neighbours you may have to move house. Moving house can be an unrealistic option for many people. If you own your home and wish to move because of issues with your neighbours you must be careful that you don't mislead prospective buyers about the problems you have had.
The Housing Executive has a legal duty to give housing advice and information on preventing homelessness to anyone who asks in Northern Ireland.
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