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Harassment by Neighbours

Harassment by Neighbours

Neighbour harassment refers to any unwanted behaviour from a neighbour that causes distress, fear, or alarm.

It isn't limited to face-to-face interactions, either. It can also include harassment via social media or other indirect means. Essentially, it involves a pattern of behaviour that is persistent and makes living conditions intolerable.

Addressing harassment by neighbours is important for maintaining a safe and peaceful living environment. Prolonged harassment can significantly impact your health and physical well-being and disrupt your daily life, making it difficult to enjoy your home.

Taking steps to address and stop harassment not only protects your rights but also helps preserve the quality of life for you and your family.

In the UK, several laws protect against neighbour harassment including the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, which makes it an offence to pursue a course of conduct that amounts to harassment. This can include criminal and civil remedies, like seeking an injunction to prevent further harassment and claiming damages.

Other relevant laws include the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, which gives local councils and the police additional powers to tackle anti-social behaviour, including harassment by neighbours.

If you're facing harassment by a neighbour, you don't have to face it alone. Lawhive offers expert legal advice and services to help you tackle this challenging situation.

Contact us today for more information and a fixed fee quote for the services of a specialist lawyer.

Common forms of neighbour harassment

Common forms of harassment that you may encounter from neighbours include:

• Verbal abuse

• Physical threats

• Stalking and surveillance

• Property damage

• Excessive noise

• Other forms of anti-social behaviour.

Anti-social behaviour includes a wide range of actions that disrupt the peace and safety of a neighbourhood. This can include aggressive behaviour, public intoxication, and any conduct that intimidates or disturbs others.

Legal protections and processes

As we've noted, the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 is the primary legislation in the UK that deals with harassment. Key provisions of the act include:

• It is illegal to pursue a course of conduct that amounts to harassment;

• Specific provisions against stalking;

• The right of victims to seek civil injunctions or criminal restraining orders to prevent further harassment;

• Harassment can be prosecuted as a criminal offence.

Civil vs criminal proceedings for harassment by neighbours

The Protection from Harassment Act allows for both civil and criminal proceedings.

Civil proceedings can involve applying for an injunction to stop the harasser and claim damages for any distress or anxiety caused. This process is often quicker and gives victims control over the legal action.

Police can also investigate and prosecute cases of harassment. If convicted, the harasser may face criminal penalties, including prison.

What can the police do about harassment by neighbours?

If you are being harassed by a neighbour, you can report incidents to the police, who will investigate the matter. The police can:

• Issue warnings

• Gather evidence to support a criminal prosecution

• Apply for restraining orders to protect you.

In cases where there is a threat of violence, the police will treat the situation as a high priority and take immediate action.

What can the local council do about harassment by neighbours?

Local councils also have powers to address neighbour harassment, particularly when it involves anti-social behaviour. Councils can:

• Issue Community Protection Notices to stop persistent anti-social behaviour

• Work with the police to gather evidence and support legal action.

At Lawhive, we can support you with civil proceedings, like applying for an injunction against neighbours if they are harassing you.

To find out more, contact us now.

What to do if you are harassed by a neighbour

Dealing with harassment from a neighbour can be incredibly stressful and disruptive. Here are the steps you should take if you are experiencing this:

1. Document the harassment, including dates, times, and nature of each incident;

2. Keep records of any written communications;

3. Contact the police if you feel threatened, there is a risk of violence, or the harassment involves criminal behaviour;

4. Speak to your local council;

5. Seek legal advice from a specialist lawyer to understand your rights and the best course of action.

Your solicitor may recommend civil actions, like seeking an injunction to stop your neighbour from continuing their behaviour or pursuing damages.

What evidence do I need for a harassment case?

Building a strong harassment case against a neighbour requires thorough and detailed evidence. Types of evidence to support your case could include:

• Detailed logs of every harassment incident;

• Photographs or videos of any property damage, threatening gestures, or physical confrontations;

• Audio recordings of verbal abuse or threats;

• Copies of police reports and any communications you have had with law enforcement;

• Records of complaints to the local council and any responses;

• Witness statements from neighbours, friends, or family members who have seen or heard the incidents;

• Medical records that document treatment you have received for stress, anxiety, or physical injuries;

• Letters, notes, emails, or text messages from your neighbour.

Can I get an injunction against my neighbour?

In the context of neighbour harassment, an injunction can compel your neighbour to stop the behaviours that are causing you distress or harm.

There are two types of injunctions you can seek in these cases:

1. Interim injunction

2. Full injunction.

To get an injunction against your neighbour you need to provide evidence that your neighbour's behaviour constitutes harassment and show that there is a risk of the harassment continuing if the injunction is not granted.

The court must be convinced that issuing an injunction is necessary to prevent further harm.

Should your matter require it, a solicitor can help you apply for an injunction to the appropriate court. If the court grants the injunction, your neighbour will be legally required to stop the harassing behaviour. Additionally, the court may award you damages for distress or financial loss caused by the harassment.

Get help to stop harassment by neighbours from Lawhive

Dealing with harassment from a neighbour can be incredibly distressing, but understanding your rights and the steps you can take can alleviate some of the strain.

If you find yourself in this position, we are here to provide you with the expert legal support you need. Our network of experienced solicitors can guide you through every step, from gathering evidence and reporting incidents to obtaining legal protection and seeking civil remedies.

At Lawhive, we combine the convenience of an online platform with the expertise of a regulated law firm, offering high-quality legal services at a fraction of the cost of traditional high-street firms.

Our goal is to make legal support accessible and affordable, making sure you can protect your rights without unnecessary stress or expense.

Whether you need legal advice or want to understand your options, our friendly and professional legal assessment specialists are on hand to talk through your case and provide you with a free, no-obligation quote for the services of a specialist lawyer who can help you resolve your neighbour harassment issues effectively.

Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation and quote.