Problems in your neighbourhood

Problems in your neighbourhood

Everyone has a right to their chosen lifestyle, but sometimes the behaviour of others disturbs or distresses us.

Neighbour disputes

Many disputes about things like noise, parking, access, boundaries, fences, trees and hedges can be dealt with by discussing them with your neighbour in a reasonable way and trying to reach an agreement.

There’s excellent advice about how to deal with neighbour disputes on the Citizens Advice website.

Noise from neighbours or their animals

Acceptable noise

At settle we consider normal living sounds to be acceptable. This includes things like children playing, closing doors, moving around, hoovers, washing machines, TVs, one-off parties such as birthday parties, DIY and dogs occasionally barking.

Unacceptable noise

Some noise however (including some of the above) can become unacceptable.

This would include persistent, loud noise particularly at unsociable hours.

Persistent means noise lasting more than 30 minutes per day and several times a week.

Unsociable hours are after 11pm and before 7am.

(Loud shouting and arguing can be particularly unpleasant. If you’re worried about your neighbour’s safety, contact the police.)

What you can do

Try having a friendly chat with them. They may not realise the impact their noise is having on you and this can be the best way of resolving the problem.

You could fill out one of our dear neighbour cards [Word]. These politely let your neighbour know that their noise is affecting you.

If that doesn’t work, please:

What we’ll do

We’ll act where we can, but it’s important for you to know that we’re unable to act against one of our tenants without:

  • The support of the environmental health department at your local council
  • Evidence you gather by working with them

We can offer mediation. This is where we meet with you and your neighbours together and try to help you work things out and come to an agreement.

Animal nuisance

We expect our customers who keep a pet to be responsible and considerate to their neighbours.

If you’re worried about the way an animal is being treated, you should contact the RSPCA

Dogs and cats

We don’t allow tenants to keep banned dogs. Please report this to us and the police.

Dog owners should clean up after their dog. If you report excessive dog mess in gardens, we’ll arrange to visit.

Dogs are not allowed off the lead in communal areas.

We don’t act against cat owners. If you’re having problems with cats, we suggest buying an ultrasonic cat repellent device or other solution for your garden.

What you can do

First, try having a friendly chat with the owner. They may not realise the impact their pet is having, and this can be the best way of resolving the problem.

If that doesn’t work, please:

What we’ll do

We’ll contact you within 3 working days to discuss your report and agree an action plan with you.

Criminal damage and vandalism

Deliberate damage to property is a criminal offence.

What you need to do

Report the offence(s) to the police by calling 101. Make sure you get:

  • A crime reference number
  • The name of the police officer so that we can contact them

(We’ll need these details before we can act.)

Then report this to us including these details.

If you’ve been a victim of crime, there’s a simple summary of your rights on the Victim Support website. If you’ve been a victim of crime, there’s a simple summary of your rights on the Victim Support website.

What we’ll do

We’ll contact you within 3 working days to discuss your report and agree an action plan with you.

Drugs and drug dealing

The possession, dealing and manufacturing of drugs are criminal offences.

What you need to do

Report the offence(s) to the police and make sure you get:

  • A crime reference number
  • The name of the police officer so that we can contact them

We’ll need these details before we can act.

Then report this to us including these details.

What we’ll do

We’ll contact you within 3 working days to discuss your report and agree an action plan with you.

We might ask you to complete a diary sheet [Word] with dates and times of the incidents, so that we can investigate and take the appropriate action.

Threatening, abusive and violent behaviour

Threatening, violent and abusive behaviour including hate crime (see below) are criminal offences.

What you need to do

Report the offence(s) to the police and make sure you get:

  • A crime reference number
  • The name of the police officer so that we can contact them

We’ll need these details before we can act.

Then report this to us including these details.

What we’ll do

We’ll contact you within 3 working days to discuss your report and agree an action plan with you.

Domestic abuse

Please go to our domestic abuse page.

Hate crime

Hate crime is when someone is abused, assaulted or threatened because of one or more of the following; their: race, religious beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, age, gender, marital status, gender reassignment or because they’re pregnant.

Help and support can be found on the Stop Hate UK website or by calling the 24-hour helpline 0800 138 1625.

Responsibilities

Keeping you safe