what kind of lawyer handles neighbor harassment and fencing disputes

by Zella Olson 5 min read

Although many neighbor disputes are minor, if not mildly annoying, any act by you that poses a physical threat or which is repeated and irritating can be considered criminal. You may need a criminal defense lawyer if you are charged with harassment.

If a neighbor's tree or faulty machinery damages your property, a real estate attorney for neighbor disputes can help you navigate the complexities of property damage laws. Typically negligence on the part of your neighbor puts them at fault, but proving this during a civil suit can be difficult.Apr 21, 2021

Full Answer

Do I need a lawyer for neighbors harassment?

May 26, 2020 · Disputes covered under neighbor law include: Fence laws, Boundary disputes, Noise complaints (i.e. dogs, loud cars, yelling), Conflicts over trees or landscaping, Harassment from neighbors, Other nuisance complaints. Neighbor disputes can occur for a variety of reasons, and they are certainly nothing new!

Can a real estate attorney help resolve a dispute with a neighbor?

Instead hire a neighborhood disputes lawyer to help you get the case settled for good. Types of Neighbor Disputes Where an Attorney May be Needed. There are as many different kinds of neighborhood disputes as there are types of neighbors, but attorneys who specialize in neighborhood disputes in your area may be able to help.

What kind of disputes are covered under neighbor law?

LegalMatch has experienced fence lawyers who can help you with issues concerning boundary demarkation structures as well as related disputes among neighbors. Contact us today to find a lawyer specializing in property disputes today.

What is neighbor law?

Sep 07, 2018 · Disputes with neighbors can be difficult to resolve, especially if you and your neighbor are unable to discuss the situation calmly and rationally. If you're involved in a dispute with your neighbor and would like some help in resolving the issue, it may be a good idea to speak with a skilled real estate attorney near you today.

How do you deal with a psycho neighbor?

If you're experiencing harassment and are afraid for your safety, you should immediately report your neighbor. Don't call 911 unless your issue truly is an emergency. Check with your local police station what the appropriate approach to this situation is. Ask the police who you should talk to about your issue.

What are the most common Neighbour disputes?

Common neighbour disputesNoise. A common complaint raised by people is to do with noise. ... Trees and hedges. Overhanging trees are another common reason for neighbour disputes. ... Boundaries, fences and driveways. ... Shared amenities. ... Party walls. ... Abusive, anti-social or violent neighbours. ... Overhanging gutters.

How can I get my neighbors to move?

How To Get Bad Neighbors To Move: 9 Working Legal IdeasTry to be nosy.Organize some fake loud activities.Make things inconvenient for them.Complain to the landlord.Consistently call the police.Bring other neighbors together and complain jointly.Report the bad neighbor to the HOA.More items...

What counts as a Neighbour dispute?

A neighbour dispute is any disagreement between neighbours that is a cause of stress or friction. When you sell a property, you will need to provide information on any existing neighbour disputes, but also anything that you are aware of that could cause a neighbour dispute in the future.Jul 6, 2021

How do I deal with a Neighbour complaint?

Explain to your neighbour that you disagree with their complaint and say why. If they reported you to someone else, make sure they know you're not responsible. It's a good idea to keep a record of what you say and how they reply. If your neighbour doesn't believe you, try to get proof.Feb 15, 2018

How do I get revenge on a noisy neighbor?

10+ Ideas for Getting Back at Noisy Neighbors (Revenge)Take Your Neighbor to Small Claims Court.Do Noisy Chores Early in the Morning.Encourage Your Kids to Be Noisy.Let Your Dog Make Noise.Practice an Instrument.Play Loud Music or Sound Effects.Play Basketball.Exercise Loudly.More items...•Sep 7, 2021

What do you say to a rude neighbor?

5 Ways To Handle a Rude NeighborAsk Politely.Be The Adult.Stay Calm.Be Open To Compromise.If All Else Fails, Call The Police.Jan 21, 2021

Neighbor Disputes Attorneys

When neighborhood disputes go beyond who borrowed whose lawn mower last, its time to get an experienced attorney who understands property and ownership laws in your area. Don’t let a neighborhood dispute escalate further, and don’t let neighbors take advantage of your property or belongings without your consent.

Types of Neighbor Disputes Where an Attorney May be Needed

There are as many different kinds of neighborhood disputes as there are types of neighbors, but attorneys who specialize in neighborhood disputes in your area may be able to help. The most common reason for neighborhood disputes include:

What is Zoning?

Zoning is a system that classifies parcels of privately owned real estate. Municipalities, cities, counties, and states use zoning to classify property according to its use.

What are Setback Ordinances?

A setback ordinance is a property law that governs property boundary lines. The minimum distance from a property line that a structure may be built is a setback. These distances are usually regulated by zoning laws and restrictions maintained by local municipal governments.

What is a Variance?

Variances are deviations from zoning requirements that are in place. Property owners can request variances in some cases. If a variance is granted, it permits a landowner to use their land in a manner that is not normally permitted by an ordinance.

What Issues are Governed by Fence Laws?

There are some general issues that are controlled by fence laws. These may include:

What are the Typical Height Restrictions on Most Constructed Fences?

The typical height restrictions on most constructed fences will vary by jurisdiction, and even neighborhood. In most residential areas, a constructed fence may be six feet high in the back yard and four feet high in the front yard.

What are the Typical Height Restrictions on Most Natural Fences?

A natural fence, if mentioned in a local ordinance, is typically required to be between five and eight feet in height. Whether or not a fence is considered a natural fence depends on the language of the local ordinance and what is characterized as a natural fence.

Should I Be Aware of Any Other Issues Concerning Fence Height?

A property owner can request a variance that allows a fence height to be higher than permitted. If an individual is concerned whether their property or their neighbor’s property has a variance, they may consult their local municipality.

How tall is a fence?

Material used, and. Appearance. Residents of subdivisions are often subject to even stricter homeowners' association restrictions concerning fences. In residential areas, local rules typically restrict backyard fences to a height of six feet, and front yard fences to a height of four feet.

Can you cut a tree over a fence?

In the event that trees hang over the fence, most states agree that the property owner may cut tree limbs and remove roots where they cross over the property line, provided that such pruning will not damage the basic health and welfare of the tree. Thank you for subscribing! FindLaw Newsletters.

Can you remove a fence without permission?

Both owners are responsible for keeping the fence in good repair, and neither may remove it without the other's permission. In the event that trees hang over the fence, most states agree that the property owner may cut tree limbs and remove roots where they cross over the property line, provided that such pruning will not damage the basic health and welfare of the tree.

Is loud music a disorderly person?

Someone who merely plays loud music once or twice or has an occasional raucous party may be charged with a disorderly person offense, but is rarely charged with anything more severe since there was no intent to harass a particular person.

Is harassment a felony?

Neighbor harassment is often a misdemeanor, but can be enhanced to a felony if the offender has a prior misdemeanor conviction or the act involves an imminent threat of violent action. Although most states require that the harassing behavior occur multiple times, if it involves a threat of violence that could result in death or severe physical ...

Can you be charged with harassment?

You can be charged with harassment if your behavior is intended to harass a particular person or persons. If the conduct is merely insensitive, thoughtless or profane, it does not necessarily constitute a crime.

What is considered a nuisance?

A nuisance typically involves non-physical elements, such as odors or sounds. In order to get relief from a nuisance claim, the offending action must be both substantial and continuous. This means the occasional barking dog or annual all-night party would not be considered an actionable nuisance by most courts.

Is a nuisance a public nuisance?

A private nuisance claim is one that affects just one or a handful of neighbors, such as a loud rooster that crows at dawn every day. A public nuisance is typically much more far-reaching and involves the public in general.

What happens when neighbors dispute fences?

When neighbors have disputes with each other over fences, the matter may lead to the courtroom with a dispute over the land and perimeter boundaries. It is important to resolve these matters quickly and with a calm demeanor so that costly litigation is not the end result. Fencing disputes are often serious when the property line causes one neighbor ...

Why do neighbors put fences on their property?

Fences are often placed on land to denote height, locations of boundaries, appearance and to keep certain issues away from the rest of the yard or land.

How to resolve a fence issue?

The first steps usually include contact between parties. Open dialogue about the issue is important with reasonable arguments and information exchanged. Once this is accomplished, a resolution may be possible. However, some decide to jump straight to hiring a lawyer. Some conflict about fences is for aesthetic reasons.

What is the first step in a boundary dispute?

However, if the boundary problem is the concern, the dispute may lead to the courts. Communication and negotiations are important first steps to resolve the argument. However, if the individual is not reasonable or amenable to a peaceful resolution, it may be necessary to hire a lawyer.

Why is fencing a problem?

Fencing disputes are often serious when the property line causes one neighbor to acquire a portion of the land that he or she did not originally purchase. This could occur over several years, and then the property is his or hers legitimately through state laws. Many issues where a fence causes a problem start decades prior to the current era.

How to resolve a dispute with a neighbor?

Once you’ve reached an agreement, both of you can sign a deed that details the perimeters of the land. You should work with an attorney to sign the deed, which will then need to be filed with your county recorder’s office or land registry office.

What to do if you can't reach an agreement with your neighbor?

If you can’t reach an agreement with your neighbor on your own, a letter from your attorney is a reasonable next step. It lets your neighbor know you mean business before pursuing further legal action. The letter should detail the property line violation and ask for a specific action to resolve the situation. 7.

Do cities have their own property line ordinances?

Property line laws vary by state, and some cities may also have their own property line ordinances. Make sure you fully understand the laws that apply to your specific situation before going head-to-head with your neighbor.

What to do if your landlord is harassing you?

Here are some things your landlord might do to protect you: Change the locks. Buy vandal-proof letterboxes and fences. Install a security alarm system.

Why is my neighbor loud?

According to a study by BMC Public Health, neighbor noise annoyance can even be associated with various mental and physical health issues. When your neighbor disrupts your comfort by being loud or playing loud music, it’s time to do whatever you can to solve that issue and avoid further complications.

Can you rely on DoNotPay to stop neighbor harassment?

If you’re having trouble stopping neighbor harassment, you shouldn’t hesitate to rely on DoNotPay to give you a hand . We understand how upset you must be, so we’ve created an efficient solution that will help you put an end to harassing behavior in just a few steps. Here’s what you should do:

What to do if someone damages your property?

If the person in question damages your property, then you’ll have to take photos. Witnesses. If you have anyone who’s witnessed your neighbor’s harassing behavior, you should have that person confirm your claims against the perpetrator. This can be a family member or, better yet, another neighbor.

Does harassment count as harassment?

What Doesn’t Count as Neighbor Harassment. While some form of your neighbor’s unpleasant behavior may annoy you, you should know that it may not necessarily count as harassment. For the behavior to be described as harassing, there has to be proof of repeated and intentional wrongdoing.