Latest news with #neighbourissues
The Sun
04-07-2025
- The Sun
I'm raging after catching my neighbour STEALING electricity & this was after they caused our water to be cut off too
A WOMAN was left shocked after discovering that her neighbour has been stealing her electricity. The 29-year-old revealed that she recently moved to a new city with her husband and one-year-old child - and problems started to arise with her neighbour. 3 She explained that they live in a semi-detached building, and share a wall with their neighbour, who is in their late 40s or early 50s. The first issue they had with the neighbour is that she didn't pay her half of the water bill, and as they share one water metre, it was cut off. The US-based woman wrote on Reddit: 'We didn't make it a big deal about the water because it was resolved and turned back on the same day. 'We've given a lot of grace considering she smokes weed and it seeps through that wall so you can smell it through our restroom and child's room.' Things reached a head when they spotted she had been stealing electricity from them by plugging in a lead to go to her house. They immediately texted her asking what was going on, and her replies were rather emotional. She replied saying: 'I'll unplug asap, and I'll come right over to tell [sic] to you. 'It's been the worst week and I don't know how much more I can take.' She added in a later text: 'I'm at my wits end. 'Everything is falling apart and my daughter won't help me. Your kids are breaking law if they kick their ball over neighbour's fence, High Court rules after couple sued next door 'My electric bill is 2000 dollars because I went the whole year without paying everything myself. 'I'm paralyzed and I'll be sitting in the dark again in about 2 hours. 'NOONE can help me. And I'm so tired, I can't ask anyone for anything else. I'll be homeless.' The woman whose electricity was being stolen said they were also going through a hardship. She texted back: 'I feel like we've been respectful neighbors to you and would appreciate to be treated the same way. 'If you could have simply asked us out of respect we would have worked some type of agreement with you. 'I understand you're going through hardship but we are too. 3 'And we feel like you plugging into our electricity without asking is taking advantage of us thinking we're just a dumb young couple who won't notice. 'I understand you have a child you're taking care of but we have a baby we're trying to better provide for.' They explained that they would be now letting the property management handle the situation. 3 PAY BACK In response to this, the neighbour said she had been "embarrassed" to ask for help, and offered them $100 to pay them back for the electricity. Many people were shocked at the encounter, with one saying: 'She shamelessly plugged it in but too scared to admit fault. Instead of just owning up to her mistake, she's whining about how awful things have been for her. Coward.' Another added: 'There was no mistake here. What she did was very deliberate and had her sob story ready to go to guilt the neighbor into letting her continue to leech.' I had a two-year bin war with my next door neighbour Gemma Smith and Sophie Wood were engaged in a weekly feud for a year over their wheelie bins. When Gemma moved next door to Sophie, 34, who is unemployed, in November 2020 they were civil to one another. Gemma, who is single and doesn't work due to stress, says: 'Sophie seemed nice and we'd stop and exchange pleasantries. 'But it all changed at the beginning of 2022, when Sophie's bin was full and she put her rubbish bag in mine. 'I took it out and put it on top of her bin. 'It fell off, gulls pecked at it and there was rubbish everywhere.' Both women refused to clear up the mess, claiming it was the other one's fault. Gemma says: 'I felt so angry. 'There was cat litter spread all over my drive — it was absolutely disgusting and we ended up shouting at each other. 'We were both as bad as each other — we'd walk past each other and I'd tell her she was a lazy cow and to clean up after herself. 'We'd scream insults at each other." Within six months Sophie had set up a CCTV camera and threatened to report Gemma to the council. In retaliation, Gemma set up the baby monitor — which can record video — to try to pin more wrongdoing on Sophie. Then last July Sophie spotted Gemma in tears on her doorstep following a burglary at her home. Gemma says: 'Sophie came straight round and asked if there was anything she could do. 'We are now the best of friends and help each other out all the time."
Daily Mail
29-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
My selfish neighbour installed a satellite dish right outside my bedroom window
A woman was left fuming after her 'selfish' next door neighbour installed a satellite dish right outside her bedroom window blocking her view. Taking to TikTok, the upset woman, who appears to be from the UK, claimed her neighbour deliberately decided to place the dish in front of her window instead of his own. The clip, posted on @Seewara_xo, racked up more than 1.2 million views, with many viewers suggesting she may have grounds to take legal action against him. Words accompanying the video footage said: 'POV: Neighbour enters his selfish era and puts the satellite dish where you look out, not where he does.' The woman showed how her view of the garden was being partly blocked by the dish - in addition, her window could no longer open fully. The woman also provided a view from her garden, showing the proximity of the dish to her window. She then asked internet users if she was overreacting which sparked a debate online. In the caption she wrote: 'Is this normal or am I overreacting ?' One person wrote: 'If a neighbor attaches something to their house that extends over your property line without your permission, it's considered an encroachment.' Meanwhile, others suggested a more petty approach, saying she should try to block the signal. One person suggested: 'Ok, so here's what you'll do- put some tin foil on your window, across the whole pane. 'Then open it right across the satellite dish. He won't get any reception whatsoever, - then he can move it, his choice. This is level 1 petty. We have 52 stages remaining if needed….' Another added: 'The dishes don't work if they're just a few degrees out, say, if a window accidentally bumped into them... repeatedly... every week or so.' Someone else added: 'Placing a strong magnet near a satellite dish aerial can potentially interfere with its reception. 'The magnetic field created by the magnet can disrupt the delicate electromagnetic field used by the aerial to capture and transmit signals. 'Please DO NOT attach a strong magnet to your window and open it as this might affect your neighbour's viewing pleasure.' She then asked internet users if she was overreacting which sparked a debate online A fourth added: 'Can tell that's been really poorly installed. It will more than likely "fall off" during the night.' Meanwhile others suggested she should just speak to her neighbour and politely ask him to move it. One person wrote: 'Talk to them, ask them to move it, then proceed with the rest of your life' Another said: 'If there wasn't any consent have them move it, state 'property encroachment'.
The Sun
28-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Lawyer explains if you can ask messy neighbours to tidy up as it could knock £89k off YOUR home's value
YOU might scrub your home till it sparkles, but if your neighbour's garden looks like a scrapyard, it could end up costing you tens of thousands. New research shows that messy or neglected homes next door can wipe as much as £89,000 off your house price, according to Churchill Home Insurance. 1 From overgrown lawns and broken fences to rubbish-filled drives and shoddy DIY jobs, a scruffy property next door can seriously sabotage your sale. According to a survey of estate agents by Censuswide, homeowners across the UK could lose £43,000 on average, or 16 per cent of their property's value, thanks to untidy neighbours. Matt Lanniage, from The Property Expert, also pointed out that having a messy neighbour could put a buyer off completely. He said: "A neighbour's garden is not only a matter of first impressions; it's also an indicator of the type of person you are about to move next to. "I've sold homes on the same street as much as 10% more if it can be highlighted that the neighbours are nice and considerate. With permission we often use the neighbours first names as part of our marketing strategy." But can you order a neighbour to tidy up? we spoke to experts to find out. Can I make my neighbour tidy up? Almost all estate agents, 97 per cent, in fact, say you should try talking to your neighbour first. A polite conversation can go a long way. Some people might not even realise their home is putting off potential buyers. Sarah Khan, Head of Churchill Home Insurance, said: "Sometimes, a simple, friendly conversation with your neighbour could be the most valuable step you take before putting your home on the market." You could even offer to help, especially if your neighbour is poorly or elderly. Patrick Ansell, head of litigation at Taylor Rose, said: "In most cases, the cause is unintentional. The owner could be elderly or unwell, or the property might be vacant due to probate etc." "A respectful conversation is usually the best first step. Most people are reasonable and may already be aware of the issue, but unable to resolve it without help." If you've tried and nothing's changed, you might need to contact Citizens Advice or your local council. The Top Five Reasons Neighbours Squabble One study by Compare the Market revealed the top reason British neighbour's argue Broken fences - top of the board was broken fences and whose responsibility it was to fix it Parking: one of the leading drivers of neighbour disputes, with 54.1 per cent of people having issues with people parking in front of their house, parking bay or driveway Trees - complaints about a neighbour's tree cracking your garden path was also common with nearly half of participants finding it frustrating Bin wars - outdoor bin etiquette continues to ignite the most furious debates between neighbours Nosy Neighbours - some people have their eyes and ears at the ready to have a peek causing problems for others Your council can act if the property is causing a nuisance or breaking environmental rules. But this should be a last resort. If you do need to go down this route, then it's worth being prepared, Mr Ansell added. He said: "Before escalating, it's wise to document everything first. Keeping a diary of conversations and key events (e.g. incidents) and taking photos can be vital evidence if legal action becomes necessary. You should also consult an estate agent to understand how much the problem is affecting your property's value, although there is no guarantee that a successful claim will result in this amount being awarded to you. "Disputes must be disclosed when selling a property, which can deter buyers, so resolving the issue early is normally in everyone's best interests." How to boost your home's value While you can't control your neighbour's mess, you can make your own home irresistible to buyers. Property expert Liv Conlon, who stages hundreds of homes each year through her business says first impressions count - and fast. 'You've got 10 seconds to impress a buyer. Make it count,' she says. Start by giving your entrance a glow-up: a fresh coat of paint on the front door in a smart shade like black or navy, two matching potted plants, and a spotless doormat can totally transform your kerb appeal. Inside, focus on the living room — clear clutter, pull sofas away from the walls to create cosy conversation zones, and use a large rug to define the space. Statement accessories like oversized lamps or chunky vases also give the impression of a polished, show-home finish. And don't forget the bathroom. Fresh towels, a matching soap dispenser and a clean bath mat can make even a basic space feel more luxurious. Simple styling updates can cost just a few quid, but add serious value when it's time to sell.
BBC News
25-06-2025
- BBC News
A neighbour threatened dad with a knife - why won't the housing association act?
Over the past year, Dilara's next-door neighbour has threatened her father with a knife and damaged their says she also smashed her sister's car windscreen with a hammer."I'm just scared," says the 17-year-old beauty therapy student, who lives with her family in south London, "it doesn't feel like a home to me anymore".She says she struggled when doing her GCSEs last year as noise from the neighbour kept her awake - and the issue is still affecting her college studies."I'm really tired," she says, adding that sometimes she can't make it to school because she's so people have contacted Your Voice, Your BBC News telling us how they have dealt with relentless noise, vandalism, death threats and even physical assaults by neighbours. It comes after we reported on a couple plagued by anti-social behaviour earlier this the housing ombudsman told us complaints about such issues had doubled over the last five years and authorities needed to work more collaboratively to protect people. Knife-threat neighbour still living next door Dilara's father Ecevit, 50, says when he told their neighbour to turn the music down at 04:00 one morning in January, she came out with a incident left him "shaking". The neighbour was arrested but released on bail and was back home the next neighbour pleaded guilty to threatening "a person with a blade/sharply pointed article in a public place" and will be sentenced in July. But the anti-social behaviour has month, she allegedly smashed the car windscreen of one of Ecevit's other daughters. The neighbour has now been charged. Melissa, 25, who needs the car to get to work, says she was in "shock" when she discovered what had family believe their housing association, Wandle, has failed to act over the numerous cases of anti-social behaviour, despite much of it being recorded on cameras."What is it going to take for them to actually take action and do something to safeguard us and to protect us? Do they expect her to kill us? How is it not enough?" Melissa says the windscreen incident has "really affected" her and that, along with other members of her family, she now suffers with 29, the eldest daughter in the family says: "There's no real action. There's no real urgency, it's just brushed under the carpet." Anne Waterhouse, chief executive of Wandle, said the housing association was "deeply sorry about the distress caused to the resident enduring this unacceptable level of anti-social behaviour"."Our community safety team has been working with the impacted family, the police, the local authority and several external agencies to resolve the serious anti-social behaviour issues being experienced."Ms Waterhouse added that Wandle was currently assessing whether the family's property would "benefit from enhanced security during this difficult time".But the family say their neighbour has also been failed by the system."It's also a failure for someone who is clearly very vulnerable and is struggling with their mental health. And you know she deserves all the help that she needs, as well as considering my family's safety," Cihan says.A Met Police spokesperson said the local Safer Neighbourhoods Team was aware of a "pattern of behaviour" and was working to support the family, as well as liaising with housing associations and mental health services. Exclusive data from the housing ombudsman shows the number of complaints about how social landlords have dealt with anti-social behaviour in England have increased by 119% over four years - from 552 in 2020, to 1,207 in watchdog found many social landlords were failing to protect tenants from anti-social Blakeway, the housing ombudsman for England, says in about "two out of three cases" he looks at involving anti-social behaviour "something has gone wrong"."In some of the most serious cases, really losing sight of the issues, losing sight of the victim, and the impact of that is deeply shocking," he says. 'I don't sleep' Others contacted us with similar stories - including Cheryl, in Shoreham-by-Sea, who says four years of complaints about her neighbour have resulted in little action from the says loud music, shouting, abuse and other forms of disquiet have made her life a misery."I don't sleep. It's like sharing a house with these people, and it affects every part of everything. I can't go out," she adds. "My routine revolves around them, so I sneak in and out when it's quiet, because it's been dangerous if I don't."Cheryl says she installed cameras around her house because she feels neighbour of Cheryl says anti-social behaviour is impacting her life both say they have been let down by the woman's landlord, Adur & Worthing Councils. Cheryl says she has been told not to contact them anymore, with the council calling her claims "vexatious".The council tells us recent complaints from Cheryl are "unfounded" and "hundreds of hours of officer time have been put into understanding the situation and providing support where it is required". This has led to an "improved situation", it a statement, the council cited "two independent ASB [anti-social behaviour] Case Reviews led by two other councils, both of which have supported the actions we have taken in this case."The BBC has seen video footage showing multiple instances of shouting, swearing and drinking outside Cheryl's flat, which is above the woman' put all of Cheryl's allegations to her neighbour, who did not want to be interviewed but disputed Cheryl's claims and said she felt harassed because she was being filmed. She also told us she was vulnerable. Sussex Police said it had received "multiple reports of anti-social behaviour between neighbours" since 2021. It said a 61-year-old woman had been issued with a Community Protection Notice, and in August 2024 was ordered to complete a community resolution for a public order a statement, the force told us it "understands the impacts of anti-social behaviour on victims and all reports are taken seriously". It said it had "engaged with all parties involved, including the local authority, to identify a satisfactory resolution".Cheryl says the impact of living in this situation has been devastating and she has spent time in hospital after a suicide attempt."It's heartbreaking. It doesn't feel safe, life is hell. It's horrible. It's not a way to live." Many people who contacted us said they felt ignored by the authorities and isolated as no official body has taken ownership of the Henderson, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, which represents housing associations, said persistent anti-social behaviour caused "deep distress" but stressed housing associations treated it seriously."Many have dedicated, specialist teams whose role it is to manage such cases, to liaise with victims and alleged perpetrators, and to mediate swift resolutions."Mr Blakeway, the housing ombudsman, said there were laws in place to protect people but there could be a "breakdown" in "cooperation between different agencies".In many of the cases we have heard about, we were told that people on both sides aren't getting the support they need."Social landlords need more support from mental health services, who will be under their own pressures," Mr Blakeway said. "But then social landlords themselves also need to recognise that they need to develop skills to handle mental health issues effectively themselves." Additional reporting by Tara Mewawalla and Bobbi you are suffering distress or despair, details of help and support in the UK are available at BBC Action Line
The Sun
24-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
I'm fuming with my selfish neighbour, where he's put a satellite dish is unreasonable & opening my window is a nightmare
A WOMAN was left fuming after her 'selfish' neighbour appeared to install a satellite dish right outside her window blocking the view of the garden. The upset woman claimed that he had put the device in a spot which didn't hinder his own view outside. 2 On her TikTok account, she showed photos of the offending dish attached to their connected house. She shared: 'POV: Neighbour enters his selfish era and puts the satellite dish where you look out, not where he does." The woman also showed the view from her garden and how closely the dish appeared to be installed to her window. She then asked internet users if she was overreacting to be upset - and it has sparked a debate online. One person pointed out: 'If a neighbor attaches something to their house that extends over your property line without your permission, it's considered an encroachment.' Another added: 'That's on your side lol he can't do that.' And many people suggested ways that she could take petty revenge. One offered up: 'Ok, so here's what you'll do- put some tin foil on your window, across the whole pane. 'Then open it right across the satellite dish. 'He won't get any reception whatsoever, - then he can move it, his choice. Your kids are breaking law if they kick their ball over neighbour's fence, High Court rules after couple sued next door 'This is level 1 petty. We have 52 stages remaining if needed….' However, some people said she take a more mature approach. One said: 'Did you try talking to him about the overhang? Maybe he just didn't realise and you're being a Karen not talking to him first about it.' In the UK, if your neighbour installs something on your property boundary without your permission, you generally have rights to address the situation. 2 This is particularly relevant if the item is physically attached to your property, like a satellite dish on your wall, or encroaches into your airspace or land. The first and most recommended step is to talk to your neighbour as many disputes can be resolved amicably through calm discussion. However, if direct communication fails, you can send a formal letter (ideally from a solicitor) stating that the item is on your property without permission and requesting its removal within a reasonable timeframe. I had a two-year bin war with my next door neighbour Gemma Smith and Sophie Wood were engaged in a weekly feud for a year over their wheelie bins. When Gemma moved next door to Sophie, 34, who is unemployed, in November 2020 they were civil to one another. Gemma, who is single and doesn't work due to stress, says: 'Sophie seemed nice and we'd stop and exchange pleasantries. 'But it all changed at the beginning of 2022, when Sophie's bin was full and she put her rubbish bag in mine. 'I took it out and put it on top of her bin. 'It fell off, gulls pecked at it and there was rubbish everywhere.' Both women refused to clear up the mess, claiming it was the other one's fault. Gemma says: 'I felt so angry. 'There was cat litter spread all over my drive — it was absolutely disgusting and we ended up shouting at each other. 'We were both as bad as each other — we'd walk past each other and I'd tell her she was a lazy cow and to clean up after herself. 'We'd scream insults at each other." Within six months Sophie had set up a CCTV camera and threatened to report Gemma to the council. In retaliation, Gemma set up the baby monitor — which can record video — to try to pin more wrongdoing on Sophie. Then last July Sophie spotted Gemma in tears on her doorstep following a burglary at her home. Gemma says: 'Sophie came straight round and asked if there was anything she could do. 'We are now the best of friends and help each other out all the time."
