Neighbourhood law

About neighbour law

You may experience various forms of nuisance or annoyance from your neighbours. As neighbours, you have powers and obligations. The rules of neighbour law prescribe how a person must behave properly towards adjoining owners.

For example, the law states that the owner of a yard may not cause nuisance to owners of other yards in a way that is unlawful, for example by spreading noise, vibrations, smells, smoke, gases or by depriving light or views. In practice, this can lead to conflicts that have a major impact on your residential enjoyment.

Common disputes in neighbour law

We can assist you in a variety of neighbour law matters, including:

  • noise pollution, such as persistent barking of a dog, music or works;
  • flooding due to leaks, poor drainage or improper stormwater runoff;
  • nuisance caused by planting, such as overhanging branches, root growth or excessively tall trees and hedges;
  • disputes over property boundaries, fences and walls;
  • intrusion, loss of privacy or deprivation of light;
  • issues around outlets, easements and use of common facilities.

 

We can help you with:

  • Legal advice on your position and options;
  • conducting consultations or negotiations with neighbours;
  • drafting summonses and legal correspondence;
  • taking interim measures, for example in summary proceedings;
  • conducting proceedings in court if consultation does not provide a solution.
shutterstock 2485365737
business handshake deal greeting concept

Practical and solution-oriented

Neighbourhood conflicts are often emotional and can go on for a long time. Therefore, whenever possible, we strive for a practical and lasting solution. Sometimes a good conversation with legal support is sufficient; sometimes legal proceedings are unavoidable. In either case, we represent your interests carefully and vigorously.

N.B. we do not carry out work in the field of neighbour law on the basis of funded legal aid.

Get in touch

Are you suffering from piercing noise, water nuisance or nuisance caused by planting, or do you have another neighbour law problem? Feel free to contact us for an initial consultation. Together we will look at your situation and the possibilities.

Contact