Who was it who said that neighbors would be wonderful, if they just didn't live so close? Perhaps someone who had lived across the street from an unusually noisy household, next door to someone who refused to trim a heavy branch that looked like it would come down in every storm, or down the street from a barking dog.
Neighbor issues are particularly thorny because by definition, you're going to be dealing with these people again. You're going to see them on the street and probably run into them at the grocery store or your kids' soccer matches, and you don't want to ruin whatever relationship you have. So when trouble is brewing, take a breath before deciding to enforce your legal rights to the absolute maximum. Always learn about the law and then start with a conversation, even if you're doubtful it will help.
In some circumstances, another good avenue for neighbors can be mediation--a session with a trained, neutral third party who can try to help you arrive at a good solution. Many cities now offer free or low-cost mediation services for neighborhood disputes.
Do good fences really make good neighbors? These frequently asked questions might help you decide.
Before that unsightly fence is built, local rules and regulations might offer you a way to stop it; or later, have it removed.
The fact that neighbors are not actively "using" a portion of your land behind their fence would not stop them from asserting an ownership claim based on adverse possession.
If your neighbor constructs a spite fence, making the neighborhood look terrible and calling attention to the property, can you file suit?
Explaining to a neighbor that he is actually responsible for fence maintenance, either because it's a shared boundary fence or because it's shared property; and remedies if you can't convince him.
Answers to your questions about noisy neighbors and what you can do to regain peace and quiet in your home.
Neighbors can engage in all sorts of activities that can annoy, bother or even scare you. But is calling the police the answer?
What are your legal options if you have a barking dog problem in your neighborhood?
Many cities limit dogs to two to four per household.
If neighbors won't keep their dog quiet, as a last resort you can sue in small claims court.
If a dog turns up on your doorstep, you are not free to decide that "finders are keepers" and do whatever you want with it.
Animal control departments might be able to help with a neighbor problem that involves a noisy animal.
Legal realities after a neighbor harms or kills a pet.
Even if you think it won't help, it never hurts to try to work something out when dealing with a neighbor's noisy dog.
Learn the basics about easements affecting real property: what they are, how they work, types of easements, and more.
Creating an easement or license wouldn't require high legal fees, but would be well worth getting done right.
Solar panels require direct access to sunlight to generate energy; but what can you do to prevent the possibility that your neighbor will add a second story or plant a large tree?
Issues with the neighbors? Learn your rights -- and responsibilities -- with Neighbor Law, Nolo's comprehensive guide to the laws concerning common neighbor disputes.
Flooding, surface runoff, and even leaking sprinklers can spark disputes between neighbors.
Contrary to popular belief, most homeowners do not have a right to their view.
Not only can drones be loud, but they sometimes are equipped with cameras and telephoto lenses. What can you legally do if you see that your neighbor is flying a drone over your property?
Before you build a dream house in the country, thoroughly investigate the surroundings and how neighbors can legally use their land.
Mediation is one of the most effective ways to deal with disagreements with neighbors. But how does one deal with some of the thorny details of reaching and living by a compromise?
Generally speaking, an individual citizen has no “ownership” rights to a parking space on a public street. These spaces are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.
If critters are skittering, creeping, or crawling from your neighbor's property or unit to yours, here are some measures to take.
The downside of getting caught piggybacking on a neighbor's wireless network would likely outweigh the upside of saving money.
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At Nolo, we prioritize quality and transparency because we know how important reliable legal information is to our readers. Our information is meticulously researched, regularly updated, and written in plain English by our experienced writers and editors. Learn more about our editorial standards.