Neighbour Issues
Everyone needs good neighbours
Sometimes it is difficult to get on with your neighbours. They may like to play their music loudly, or have friends round late at night when you want to sleep.
Usually the best way of dealing with it is to have a chat with them - they probably don't realise they are annoying you. If this doesn't work, or things take a more serious turn there are other things you can do. Your local council will have an Environmental Health department. They can monitor noise levels and take action if it amounts to "statutory nuisance".
If you are threatened or someone commits a criminal act then you should contact the police – but you should also speak to your housing officer. We work closely with the police, and can take action if one of our tenants is found guilty of commiting an offence at the property. Even if there is no prosecution there is a range of measures we may be able to take to help you if you are being harassed or made to feel uncomfortable in your home.
If you feel that you have a problem with your neighbours that the council or police can't help with then contact your housing officer. They can arrange mediation - a trained, independent person will arrange to talk with both you and your neighbour to help find ways of resolving the problem.
There are also legal sanctions we can use if life becomes intolerable and nothing else has worked. We could apply for an injunction, which can force someone to stop doing something, or in extreme cases we can ask the court for eviction. For these legal measures we obviously need strong evidence to convince the court that it is just. We will be able to make a stronger case if neighbours give evidence, but this is not always necessary.
Last year we successfully took a tenant to court who had allowed drug dealers to use her flat. Neighbours were too scared to give evidence so we used a security company to film what was taking place. This is an extreme case and we hope you will not be involved in such an unpleasant situation.
Please remember that we do not all share the same tastes and lifestyle and try to be considerate to your neighbours. Please also remember that you are also responsible for the actions of your family and visitors.
If you are suffering difficulties with a neighbour and can't resolve it yourself we will do all we can to help deal with the problem.
For more information please visit:
Hertfordshire Police: www.herts.police.uk
Buckinghamshire police: www.thamesvalley.police.uk
Environmental Health Department - St Albans: www.stalbans.gov.uk
Environmental Health Department – Dacorum: www.dacorum.gov.uk
Environmental Health Department – Aylesbury Vale: www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk
Environmental Health Department – Hertsmere: www.hertsmere.gov.uk
Environmental Health Department – North Herts: www.north-herts.gov.uk