Neighbour Nuisance involving Council Tenants

The behaviour of neighbours is not only regulated by law but by the generally accepted belief that everyone has a right to enjoy life in their own way, providing that they do not adversely affect the lives of people living near them.

Tenants are responsible for their own behaviour, and that of their family and visitors, whether at the property or in the locality.

Taunton Deane Borough Council is committed to ensuring that its tenants have the opportunity to enjoy their home and will take every step possible to try to ensure that those causing an unreasonable disturbance are made to stop.

About this leaflet

This leaflet:-

• Describes what you can do first to help resolve the problem.
  Explains how Deane Housing Management can help and what action can be taken.
  
• Lists other agencies who may be able to help and the sort of problems they can deal with.
  
• Provides a diary to record incidents
  

(USE A SEPARATE DIARY FOR EACH HOUSEHOLD INVOLVED)

Neighbour Complaint Incident Diary (31KB)

What to Do First

1. Try to remain calm.
2. Whenever possible you should try and resolve problems with your neighbour yourself.
3. Be polite.
4. Do not get involved in an argument.
5. Explain that their behaviour is causing a disturbance.

There is a better chance of resolving disputes and ensuring a better relationship between the parties involved if they can talk to each other and see each other's point of view. Explaining to someone that their behaviour is upsetting your peace or lifestyle is often enough to resolve problems.

IF YOU ARE SUFFERING HARASSMENT YOU SHOULD CONTACT DEANE HOUSING MANAGEMENT IMMEDIATELY. HARASSMENT INCLUDES THREATS OF VIOLENCE OR VIOLENT INCIDENTS.

Collecting Evidence

As well as approaching your neighbour you should start to make a detailed record of evidence in case you need to take action yourself or you need the Council or other agencies to take action on your behalf. You can also approach other neighbours to see if they are also affected and ask them to fill in a diary sheet.

A diary sheet forms part of this leaflet and should be used to record times, dates, those involved and what happened. These facts will be important to enable the Council to assess the evidence. The Environmental Protection Unit issue specific noise complaint packs.

What If The Disturbance Continues

You may decide to approach a solicitor who would be able to give you advice about taking private action. You may decide to approach other agencies - the agency you contact will depend upon the type of problem / disturbance you are experiencing.

How Deane Housing Management can help and what action may be taken

Deane Housing Management will acknowledge, investigate and respond to every report of neighbour nuisance, offering advice and taking action where appropriate when at least one of the parties involved is an occupant of a Taunton Deane Borough Council property, or a property sold via a leasehold agreement.

• Arrangements will be made for an Estates Officer to discuss your complaint.
• An agreed plan of action will be drawn up.
• Arrangements will be made for an Estates Officer to discuss your complaint with your neighbour.
• If the problem / disturbance is not resolved there will be a need to take further action.
• Contact other agencies on your behalf.
• The type of action that can be taken is:-
• Management action:- written warnings, referrals for mediation.
  
• Legal action:- injunctions, possession proceedings.
• In exceptional circumstances, removal of victim to a place of safety.
• In serious cases where legal action is taken, it is likely witnesses will need to attend court.

A list of other agencies who may be able to help

1. MEDIATION SOMERSET, Victoria House, Victoria Street, Taunton. Tel: (01823) 352210
- noise, children, rubbish, animals, property, boundaries, parking, personal conflict.

2. DOG WARDEN SERVICE, Taunton Deane Borough Council, The Deane House, Belvedere Road,Taunton. Tel: (01823) 356550
- dog fouling, straying, barking, cruelty, vicious dogs.

3. DEANE HOUSING MANAGEMENT, Taunton Deane Borough Council, The Deane House, Belvedere Road, Taunton. Tel: (01823) 356319
- breaches of tenancy conditions, personal conflict, property, cars, gardens, antisocial behaviour.

4. HEALTH RESPONSE UNIT, Taunton Deane Borough Council, The Deane House, Belvedere Road, Taunton. Tel: (01823) 356556
- smells, odours, smoke, pest control (rats, mice), accumulation of rubbish.

5. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION UNIT, Taunton Deane Borough Council, The Deane House, Belvedere Road, Taunton. Tel: (01823) 356339
- noise.

6. POLICE, Taunton Police Station, Shuttern, Upper High Street, Taunton. Tel: (01823) 337911
- vandalism, personal conflict (threatening behaviour, assault and battery, offensive behaviour), other criminal activity.

7. TAUNTON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU, 44 Station Road, Taunton. Tel: (01823) 282235
- provides active support on a wide range of matters.

Neighbour Complaint Incident Diary (31KB)

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