Approaching your neighbour is often the simplest way to sort out issues and avoids the matter getting worse. Most people can be reasonable if you approach them in person. People are sometimes unaware that they are causing you a nuisance. Please try and speak to your neighbour to try and sort out any issues before you contact us.

Speaking to someone face to face is better than shouting or writing them letters as they are likely to become defensive and this will cause further bad feeling and frustration.

Please consider the following before speaking to your neighbour:

• Think about what you want to say before approaching them.
• Have a clear and simple message – it will give you confidence.
• Be clear about what you think the problem is and how it is affecting you.
• Keep to the main issue. Do not drag up events that may have happened in the past.
• Try to choose a good moment.
• Before you talk to your neighbour, talk to a friend or your Housing Officer about what you plan to say.

Remember to:

• Stay calm and friendly – being aggressive will not help.
• Say what the problem is and how it is affecting you.
• Listen to what the other person has to say. Listening and talking will help create an atmosphere where problems are more likely to be sorted out.
• Try not to interrupt when the other person is talking.
• Try not to shout, even if your neighbour does – stay in control.
• Walk away if your neighbour is unreasonable.