Resolving neighbour disturbance issues

How to approach your neighbour

Dealing with a noisy or disruptive neighbour can be a bit daunting, whether a home, business, or licensed premises. However, addressing the problem calmly and respectfully often leads to a positive and amicable resolution. In the first instance you should try to talk to your neighbour about the issue. Many people are unaware their actions are causing distress, and a simple conversation can make a big difference, resolving the matter quickly.

Nuisance can have a detrimental impact on those concerned but fortunately most issues can be resolved informally without the need to engage external agencies – see steps below. However, if there are significant personal safety concerns over approaching your neighbour call the police on 101 for non-emergencies and there is an imminent risk of danger call 999 to report emergency.

Steps to follow when talking to your neighbour

  • Stay calm: Approach your neighbour when you are calm and composed. Avoid addressing the issue when you are angry or frustrated.
  • Choose the right time: Find an appropriate time to discuss the matter, ensuring it’s convenient for both parties.
  • Be polite and respectful: Use a friendly tone and show respect for your neighbour’s perspective.
  • Explain the impact: Clearly explain how their behaviour is affecting you and your family. Provide specific examples if possible, such as, time of day, location, main issue causing disturbance.
  • Offer solutions: Suggest reasonable solutions to reduce the disturbance, such as lowering the volume or changing the timing of activities.
  • Seek mutual agreement: Strive for a mutually acceptable solution that benefits both parties.
  • Keep a record of communications: document the date, time, persons present, and the topics discussed and agreed upon, for future reference if necessary.

Follow up / letter template

If having a discussion with your neighbour feels uncomfortable or unclear, send a polite letter to further explain or seek improvement. You could use or adapt the following template.

Your address:
The date:
Your contact number :

Your neighbour’s name:
Your neighbour’s address:

Dear Neighbour (or their name if you know it)

I am writing this letter to let you know that I am being disturbed by noise/light/smoke (enter the issue) from your property.

The noise/light/smoke is (describe the issue). It disturbs me because (include details on when and how often it happens, how long it goes on for, how it affects you in your home, what it stops you being able to do etc.).

I wanted to let you know how the noise is affecting me and politely request that you consider how the noise/light/smoke (enter the issue) could possibly be reduced. I hope we can work this out amicably between us.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to talk about this in person, I would be happy to meet with you (delete if not appropriate).

Yours sincerely,

Your name

Your contact details

Following these steps and using the provided template, can help you address disturbances caused by your neighbour in a constructive and respectful manner.

If the issue continues

If, despite your efforts, the issue persists, you should seek further advice and support: 

  • If the issues relates to a rental property, inform the landlord about the disturbance issue ocurring at the rented property so they can address it according to their tenancy agreements and procedures.
  • If informal discussions between both parties, or landlord involvement, don’t resolve the issue, contact your local council to ask if they can investigate under their legislation such as statutory nuisance. For formal complaints to the Local Authority, you will be asked to provide evidence of all your informal actions taken regarding the dispute with your neighbour.
  • Take your own legal action - Individuals can apply directly to the Magistrates' Court under the Environmental Protection Act or make a small claim to the civil courts Making a small claim - Citizens Advice. Before considering taking your own action it is advised you seek legal advice – see further information on Resolving neighbour disputes on GOV.UK.
  • Mediation services - An independent mediator can help find a solution. Find a local mediator