What to Do in a Neighbour Dispute

Stay calm

• Take a deep breath.
• It’s normal to feel upset, but try to stay calm.
• Don’t shout or act aggressively.

Talk to your neighbour

• Try to speak to your neighbor face-to-face.
• Be polite, and let them know what the problem is.
• Use “I” statements like: “I feel frustrated when…”
• Listen to their side too.

Write it down

• If talking doesn’t work, write down the problem.
• Write what happened, when, and how it made you feel.
• Keep these notes safe. They might help later.

What is a mediator?

• A mediator is a person who helps people solve problems.
• They are fair and neutral – they don’t take sides.
• A mediator listens to both sides of the story.
• They help people talk to each other calmly.
• A mediator can help find a solution that works for everyone.

What a mediator does

• Helps you talk about the problem.
• Keeps things calm so there is no arguing.
• Finds what’s important to each person.
• Looks for solutions that make both people happy.

How to get a mediator

• Contact Your local council: Many councils offer free or low-cost mediation services.
• Community mediation centres: Some areas have centres dedicated to community mediation. Check with local organizations or online.
• Housing association support: If you live in a housing association, they may provide or suggest mediation services.
• Private mediation services: You can search online for “neighbor dispute mediation near me” or visit websites like the UK Mediation Directory or Mediation UK to find private services in your area. 

If you feel at risk

• Report it to the police.
• You can contact the police for help if the problem is very serious, like:
  • Threats or violence
  • Damaging property
• For less serious issues, your council may have a team to handle complaints.
• If you feel threatened or harassed by a neighbour, you may be able to get a restraining order. This can be done through the police or a court.
  • Please also see the section 'How to report racism and hate crime' on the page Report Racism and Discrimination.

Taking legal action

• Legal action is generally taken if there is harassment, threats or damage to property.
• Gather evidence such as:
  • a record of the issues, such as dates, times, and descriptions of incidents. This can include noise, property damage, or other problems.
  • Photos, videos, or written notes can support your case if you decide to take legal action.
• If the dispute involves property damage, trespassing, or personal injury, you may be able to file a claim in civil court.