Neighbour dispute advice
It is important to accept and understand that people are entitled to lead different lifestyles.
Many neighbour disputes and complaints are misunderstandings or one-off events, which can be easily resolved by just speaking to each other.
If the problem affects other neighbours, why not involve them as well. It can be easier to settle a dispute if the complaint comes from a number of people.
Approaching your neighbours
If you have a dispute with your neighbour, before making a formal complaint, we would always encourage you to try to discuss the problem with them if you feel comfortable/safe to do so.
Making a formal complaint can escalate issues and cause further unrest - particularly if the person/people in question are unaware of how their are affecting you/your live, and may be very happy to alter their behaviour of asked to do so in a positive and supportive way.
If you’re worried about speaking to your neighbours, you could consider writing them a letter, explaining the problem clearly and sticking to the facts.
If you decide to talk to/write to your neighbour about a problem, it may help to consider the following:
- explain clearly what the problem is and how it is affecting you and your family
- stay calm and be as polite as possible
- don’t use abusive language
- be open to suggestions for resolving the problem and come to an agreement to suit all of you
- leave the situation if it becomes too heated.
Need support to do this?
The Harmony ASB & mediation service, which is run by Victim Support, can provide advice, support and mediation. Call the team at Harmony on 07960 204366 or email harmony@victimsupport.org.uk for specialist support and advice.
Social housing support
If your neighbour is a social housing tenant, you could also contact their housing association:
- Sanctuary Housing or call 0800 131 3348
- Bromford Living or call 0330 1234 034
- Midland Heart or call 0345 60 20 540
- Walsall Housing Group or call 0300 555 6666
- Platform Housing or call 0333 200 7304
Ask us to help
If you have tried to speak/contact your neighbour to tell them about the issue, or do not feel comfortable/safe doing so, you can report the issue to us: