How to deal with nuisance neighbours

Our partners at NFS Mediation (who are experts in successfully resolving neighbour disputes) share their specialist advice on what to do and how best to address the conflicts that can emerge from these difficult situations.

• Firstly, think about why the issue is affecting you and whether it's significant enough for you to try and sort
• For many issues a polite approach to your neighbour is the best first step, either in person or by a short, polite note
• Always approach your neighbour when you're calm and not while the issue is going on
• If your neighbour is rude and abusive, just walk away and don’t get involved
• Even though it's difficult, always remain considerate yourself
• Don’t meet fire with fire and muddy the waters
• Only log significant incidents and not every little thing that has come to annoy you about your neighbour
• If you feel threatened or fear for your own safety, contact your Local Housing Office or call the Police

These tips on dealing with neighbour nuisance were shared by NFS Mediation in a special webinar that took place during #ASBAwarenessWeek earlier this summer. The webinar was just one of the many online activities we held on social media during the campaign to highlight how we work to tackle antisocial behaviour and offer support to victims.

How to report ASB

From aggressive, noisy or abusive behaviour to neighbourhood disturbances involving drugs or animals, antisocial behaviour takes many forms. If you’ve witnessed antisocial behaviour, please report it.

• Contact your Local Housing Office or use the online reporting form
• For non-emergency crime and antisocial behaviour call 101 or report online
• If you are aged 11-16 and have information about crime, such as a drug dealer, someone who is exploiting young people, or carrying a knife, report it anonymously online at Fearless
• In an emergency situation, dial 999