Conciliation/ Mediation

There are now Neighbour Conciliation and Mediation services available that can act as a mediator in your situation. Look for your nearest service in the telephone book, online or ring your local authority for more information.

You can also try our forum community for internet links of various organisations or services. You should try to use mediation if you can, this shows you are not being difficult and really want to resolve issues. It may even hopefully solve your problem and also be a useful tool to demonstrate your 'evidence of willingness' in any further court action.

Start A File

Keep all records, noise sheets, letters and everything that is related together, in a file; yes it's tedious having a NFH! Make sure you keep copies of all letters you send (sign the copy too!) and log details of any phone calls you make to whoever (get their name and contact tel. number) about your situation.

If possible, ask for these people to also confirm in writing the basis of your phone call with them.

Make sure you always keep your diary up to date.

It is important that you record in your diary how the neighbour issues or problems affected you (e.g. loud noise prevented you from hearing your TV and so on).

Start the ball rolling

If you rent from a Local Authority or own your own property then contact the Local Council (Environmental Health Section/Department) and explain your situation in full. NFHiB is often asked if this initial 'phone call then is an example of an 'official' dispute action (e.g. to declare on the SPIF) - in our opinion it is and you should always seek legal clarification about this in your unique case (e.g. from a Solicitor or Conveyancer).