Disputes with neighbours can occur for various reasons. Anti-social behaviour, issues over boundaries, noise, party wall agreements, privacy, access or general nuisance can all cause issues between people who live near each other.
However, unless potential flashpoints are quashed quickly, an issue can easily escalate and become a full-scale fall-out, which can be stressful, time consuming, and expensive for everyone involved.
If you are engaged in a dispute with a neighbour, the first step towards resolving the issue is usually to try to talk to them about it. In some situations, they may not even be aware of a problem.
Staying calm and expressing your concerns in a non-confrontational manner can help to not escalate the situation. This will increase the chances of you and your neighbour reaching an agreement between yourselves and deciding to move forward on terms you are both happy with.
Problems considered a ‘statutory nuisance’ can usually be raised with your local council. The council will generally intervene in areas related to something that damages health or is a nuisance, such as noise, rubbish, pests or leaks.
Solicitors can also play an important role in resolving neighbour disputes. Seeking legal advice at an early stage of a neighbour dispute, or even speaking to a solicitor if you think an issue might develop, is an extremely effective way of nipping it in the bud.
A specialist civil litigation solicitor with experience in neighbour disputes can help you understand your options and work out your next steps. They can also establish whether your neighbour is breaking the law or has contravened any regulations.
A solicitor will advise you on the best way to proceed depending on your circumstances. Common dispute resolution methods for neighbour disputes include:
- Writing a letter. A solicitor can draft a formal letter to your neighbour outlining the problem and proposing solutions. It can also include an overview of any consequences they may face if they do not respond.
- Mediation. Mediation is when a neutral third-party helps both parties reach an agreement. A solicitor can help you access mediation, which is confidential and a faster and more cost-effective way to resolve a dispute than going to court.
- Court action. If you are unable to reach an agreement with a neighbour through mediation or other avenues, a solicitor can help you build a strong case and defend your interests in court.
- Compensation. A solicitor can advise whether you may be entitled to compensation because of your neighbour’s actions.
Solicitors for Neighbour Disputes
At Berlad Graham, we have extensive experience assisting clients in various civil disputes including issues with neighbours.
Whether you are a claimant or defendant, our civil dispute solicitors will do all they can to ensure it results in a favourable outcome.
Our preference is to seek quick and cost-effective solutions to disputes through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods such as mediation wherever possible.
However, in cases where ADR is unsuccessful, we will defend your interests robustly in court.
For more information, or to speak to one of our dispute resolution team, call Berlad Graham LLP today on 0330 175 5655 or email info@bglaw.co.uk.
