Neighbourly issues
We all want to live in a vibrant and harmonious neighbourhood. While most people live well together, sometimes differing lifestyles, belief systems and backgrounds can cause conflicts and misunderstandings between neighbours.
Disputes between neighbours are civil matters and are dealt with by the Legal Services Commission.
What are my rights and responsibilities as a neighbour?
A range of resources regarding 'neighbours and the law' are available to help residents understand their rights and responsibilities as a neighbour, including:
- Nuisance
- Fences and retaining walls
- Boundary location
- Encroaching buildings
- Trees
- Trespassing
- Animals
- Privacy
- Use of land
- Development objections
- Potential dangers
- Drones.
Legal Services Commission information and resources
Resolving issues
A polite conversation with your neighbour can often resolve any issues. If a neighbour is doing something upsetting or unreasonable, the first thing to do is to approach them and talk about it early, directly, calmly and politely.
If the problem continues, the next step is to try to resolve the dispute through mediation.
The Legal Services Commission of South Australia maintains a list of available mediation services. For residents with low or no income, free advice and mediation can be accessed from the Uniting Communities Mediation Service on 08 8202 5960 or mediation@unitingcommunities.org. Eligibility criteria apply.
If a solution cannot be reached by negotiation and the problem cannot be ignored, legal action may be appropriate as a last resort.
Further information
For further information, contact the Legal Service Commission on 1300 366 424 or read the Preventing Conflicts in the Modern Neighbourhood brochure.