Living with other people
Getting on with your neighbours
We all want to enjoy our home and surroundings in the way that
suits us. But often we have different ideas of what is acceptable
behaviour. One person’s enjoyment of music can be another’s
unbearable noise. Keen gardeners can be upset by a neighbour’s
total lack of gardening interest. Often we have to accept that we
need to live together and accept differences in lifestyle.
We hope that you enjoy your home and will not have any
problems, but there are times when a neighbour’s behaviour can
cause great distress and action needs to be taken.
Anti-social behaviour ranges from serious, criminal activity
such as selling drugs, to other issues such as loud music or
playing ball games close to someone’s home. If you are experiencing
any form of anti-social behaviour, please contact us and we will
try to do what we can to help.
You can also help to prevent problems from arising by following
some simple advice.
- Keep noise from a radio, a hi-fi, a TV, domestic cleaning or
DIY activities to acceptable levels.
- Do not put equipment against shared walls, and if you live in a
flat place it on a rubber mat or carpet to reduce the
vibration.
- Show consideration for your neighbours and the community in
which you live.
Problems with neighbours
If you are having problems with a neighbour, maybe because they
are playing their music too loudly, or arguing and slamming doors,
please try these suggestions:
- Try to speak to them calmly and politely to tell them that they
are causing you some difficulties. Your neighbour may not be aware
that they are causing a nuisance and you may be able to sort out
everything in a friendly way.
- If this is not successful you should contact us, and we can
provide advice and explain what we may be able to do to help sort
out the problem. We may also be able to put you in touch with other
agencies who may be able to help, such as the police or
Environmental Health.
If it is serious or persistent, we will work with you and other
agencies to tackle the problem, and we will consider a range of
legal solutions that we may be able to take to solve it.
If you would like more information on how we tackle anti-social
behaviour, please contact us and we can provide information on our
policies and procedures.
EACH - Educational action challenging homophobia
EACH is a charity for adults and young people affected by
homophobia. It is also a not-for-profit training agency for
employers and organisations committed to realising an equal and
safe working environment for all regardless of age, sex, ability,
ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexuality.
» EACH website
Stonewall
Stonewall works for equality and justice for lesbians, gay men
and bisexuals.
» Stonewall website