Complaints About Neighbours

Report It

If you have a complaint about nuisance, annoyance or harassment being caused by a neighbour (or anyone living with him/her, or his/her visitors) you can report it to us. Any complaint made will be treated in strict confidence.

Discussion

If possible, you should firstly attempt to discuss the matter with the person or persons involved and attempt to come to a joint solution. If this does not succeed or you feel that you are not in a position to approach the other person or persons involved you should make a written complaint to us giving full information regarding the nature and extent of the problem. If possible, you should give us the exact date, time and nature of any incidents which have occurred.

Written Complaint

Any complaint received will be investigated by us within a maximum of 14 days. If the complaint is of a serious nature it will be dealt with as a matter of priority. In investigating the complaint we will normally interview the person making the complaint. We will also contact the person or persons against whom the complaint has been made to advise them of any allegations made against them and allow them to respond. If you request it and provided that this is practical, confidentiality will be maintained for you.

If after investigation there are in our opinion reasonable grounds for the complaint, we will take reasonable steps to prevent the behaviour or actions happening again. This may include the initiation of legal action, together with action taken in conjunction with other agencies, e.g. Police and Environmental Health.

If the problem still persists you should advise us in writing, providing us with relevant information to allow us to consider further appropriate action. You can do this by using diary sheets which we can provide you with. If we have to pursue legal action to address any problems this can be a complex and possibly lengthy process. It is important for us to have available full and accurate information from any person making a complaint and /or other individuals or agencies involved. Depending on the nature and extent of the problem, we will work together with the complainant and agencies, such as the Police, Environmental Health, Social Work and others as appropriate.

Further information and advice is available from your local Housing office.

What Happens if I am in Dispute with a Neighbour who is an Owner / Occupier?

If you are experiencing problems and/or in dispute with a neighbour who is an owner/occupier you should be aware that the Council is limited in what action can be taken in order to resolve this. If you wish to make a complaint against a neighbour who is an owner/occupier you should do so in writing providing full details of the nature and extent of the problem(s) which you are experiencing. We will provide you with advice on what action, if any, we can directly take ourselves and also provide you with advice on alternative courses of action which you may be able to take yourself.