Everyone is entitled to live peacefully in their home regardless of where they live, or whether they rent or own a property. You're not expected to tolerate excessive noise or physical or verbal abuse from a neighbor.

Disruptive behavior

Disruptive behavior is anything that unreasonably or repeatedly interferes with the peaceful enjoyment of your home. This can include:

• Excessive and unusual noise or smell.
• Threats, intimidation, offensive behavior or assault.
• Continual trespass.
• Theft, vandalism or graffiti.
• Noise and disturbance from domestic arguments.
• Street fighting and verbal abuse between a neighbor and their visitors.

Disruptive behaviour does not include:

• Unpleasant, strange or annoying neighbors.
• Noise and activity associated with normal daily life.

Dealing with disruption

If you feel your safety or the safety of others is at risk contact the police.

1. Talk to your neighbor first

• Be prepared to be reasonable and compromise – you are entitled to live peacefully and so are they.
• Don't engage in arguments with your neighbor or their visitors.
• Don't threaten or be aggressive towards your neighbor or their visitors.
• Don't engage in any illegal activity.

2. Keep written records

Keep a detailed written record of each specific disturbance:

• Where it happened and a description of the event.
• How it affected to you.
• What action you took, for example, you reported animal noise to your local council.

3. Report incidents to the appropriate agency

Specific agencies can take action over certain types of behavior. Keep a copy of any letters you receive from agencies or police about your complaints and keep a record of your contact with them. Call for help:

• If you feel your safety or the safety of others is at risk.
• It there are noise problems late at night, for example, loud music and parties.
• Graffiti, vandalism and suspected illegal activity.
• Reckless or dangerous driving.
• Noise from air conditioners, machines, power tools and household.
• Trees, rubbish or the general condition of your neighbor's property.
• Animal problems – noise or strays. Barking dogs.
• Abandoned vehicles and street parking.
• If you suspect an animal has been abandoned.
• Parking and vehicles, community corporation carparks.
• Trees, rubbish or the general condition of private property.
• Abandoned properties.

If you have problems or any further situation, call us now. Tenant's Clinic is here to help.