The perfect neighbour is something most of us like to be.
But what if you have bought the perfect home in the best location then suddenly one of your neighbours teenager’s drives his car through your fence?
Perhaps the damage is substantial and your private garden is now ruined?
Or maybe you are just heading to bed after a long day and the music starts up next door for the fourth night in a row?
Perhaps it is beginning to sound as if you are in a downtown bar with people screaming and shouting over the loud music?
What is happening you might think? Wasn’t this supposed to be a good neighbourhood?
Sadly, we have no control on what our neighbours are thinking, whether it is by renting out their home to rowdy, unfriendly people, or by allowing their teenagers to run riot.
There are a few things that you can do though.
Common boundary fencing
Generally, if you want to build a fence on a common boundary with your neighbour, or upgrade an existing one, you can expect the neighbour to share the bill for an “adequate” fence.
That is, one that is “reasonably satisfactory” for the purpose it is intended to serve.
Read more here, or have a read of the The Fencing Act 1978
Noisy Neighbours
Now, back to that noisy crowd who have just moved in next door and are giving you sleepless nights…
Most town councils have a process where they deal with noise complaints.
There are limits on the amount of noise allowed in certain residential areas, so it is best to have a look at your local council website so that you know what you can do and who to contact.
Some councils also record the number of noise complaints that are made against the property’s records.
I guess it would be wise to remember this next time you are thinking of having a party, that’s if you are also thinking of selling.
Why would you want to jeopardise your sale when a purchaser might have access to such information?
If in doubt, the Citizens Advice Bureau has heaps of handy hints about your rights available. Read more here
So if you are not quite as fond of the loud music, or the foul language from the new neighbours, or maybe you would like to put a fence up now that dear old Mr B has sold, there are a few things that you can do without getting too hot under the collar.
©2021 e-propertymatters.com | women-in-realestate.com | Author Kathryn