what type of lawyer handles neighbor relations in pennsylvania

by Don Weimann 6 min read

Do I need a lawyer for neighbors harassment?

Neighbor harassment is a term that includes intentional harassment or offensive behavior directed toward someone who lives next door or nearby within the same community. It can include assault and battery charges if the behavior becomes severe. In any event, a lawyer will be needed to defend you if you have been charged with harassing a neighbor.

What is neighbor law?

What is neighbor law? Neighbor law covers the many disputes that may occur between two individuals that live side by side. Of course, there are many sorts of disputes that can, and do, arise. Disputes covered under neighbor law include:

Do I need a lawyer for a neighborhood dispute?

Law enforcement may need to be called and you should get a lawyer. Don’t allow neighborhood disputes to escalate and protect your property with a neighborhood disputes attorney.

What kind of disputes are covered under neighbor law?

Disputes covered under neighbor law include: 1 Fence laws, 2 Boundary disputes, 3 Noise complaints (i.e. dogs, loud cars, yelling), 4 Conflicts over trees or landscaping, 5 Harassment from neighbors, 6 Other nuisance complaints. More ...

How do you resolve disputes between Neighbours?

How to Handle Disputes with NeighborsMake sure it's really a problem. ... Keep a log of the behavior in question. ... Do some research on the rules. ... Find out what your other neighbors have to say. ... Communicate directly and politely. ... Take time to cool off before confrontation. ... Have a compromise in mind. ... Seek the help of a third party.

Can you get legal aid for Neighbour disputes?

Please note that Legal Aid is simply not available for most neighbour disputes. The only slight possibility is for pure harassment cases. This is only granted if there has been violence, or threats of violence. The police should have been contacted, and may well refuse to take action.

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.

What are the most common Neighbour disputes?

Common types of neighbour disputesnoise, such as loud music and barking dogs.parking.property boundaries.overgrowing trees and hedges.children playing in the street.

Can I get a civil injunction against my Neighbour?

It is also possible to apply for an injunction under private nuisance where a neighbour is unreasonably using their land which leads to an unreasonable interference with the client's use, or enjoyment, of their land.

Is there a time limit on boundary disputes?

Is there a time limit on boundary disputes? You will want your boundary dispute to be resolved within 12 years so that adverse possession cannot be used for another party to gain ownership of your property.

Are Neighbour disputes common?

If you're having issues with your neighbours, it be comforting to know that you're far from alone! According to the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), neighbourhood disputes are a very common occurrence, so there is a wealth of experience available for people who are affected by some of the issues that frequently crop up.

What to do if a Neighbour is abusive?

if your neighbour is aggressive or unreasonable, leave the discussion.if you think you're in danger or your neighbour threatens you with violence, contact the police and report it to us.if the police are involved, always ask for the crime number - this is important when we carry out further investigation.

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 a neighbor dispute?

Neighbor Disputes. Unless you live on hundreds of acres of land, you have probably had to deal with neighbors in some capacity. In most cases, neighbors are not family members or friends, yet instead tend to come from multiple backgrounds.

Can neighbors keep livestock?

Depending on where you live, you may be surprised to learn that it's completely permissible for your neighbors to keep small livestock and replace the grass with crops. Some of these animals, particularly roosters, tend to be quite loud at odd hours of the day and may be considered a nuisance.

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.

Can neighbors cause water damage?

Neighbors and Water Damage. While a nuisance may interfere with your peaceful abode, water damage caused by a neighbor's actions typically requires expensive clean-up work. But it's important to know exactly what your neighbor's responsibilities are before pursuing a claim.

Do nuisance laws apply to farms?

Actual farms have "the right to farm," which means nuisance laws typically don't apply as long as the farm is following all laws and regulations. But if your neighbor's small flock of hens is guarded by a rooster that wakes you up every morning at 4:30, you may have a valid nuisance claim.

What is neighbor harassment?

Neighbor harassment is a term that includes intentional harassment or offensive behavior directed toward someone who lives next door or nearby within the same community. It can include assault and battery charges if the behavior becomes severe. In any event, a lawyer will be needed to defend you if you have been charged with harassing ...

What happens when neighbors dispute?

An escalating dispute between neighbors can result in a court-ordered injunction or restraining order. Generally, such behavior must occur over time and be directed towards a specific person who is reasonably alarmed or seriously annoyed by it.

What is the charge for harassing a neighbor?

Depending on the severity of the neighbor harassment, you could be charged with a disorderly person offense, usually an infraction, or the more serious offenses of assault and/or battery.

Is freedom of speech a defense to harassment?

Freedom of speech may not be a defense to a harassment charge since not all speech is protected. When the speech becomes particularly offensive or threatening, a line is crossed and the behavior becomes criminal. Generally, if the language is not for a legitimate purpose, then it may not be considered protected speech.

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 to do if neighbor complains about tree?

If your neighbor is complaining about your tree being too tall or hanging over there backyard, talk to your neighbors and determine how much trimming would help resolve the dispute. If the trimming does not affect the tree’s health or design, consider trimming the tree to a smaller size.

What to do if neighbor's tree hangs over my yard?

What Can I Do If a Neighbor's Tree Hangs over My Yard? If your neighbor’s tree branches hang over your yard, you have the right to trim them up to the property line. However, you may not trespass onto your neighbor’s property or destroy the tree. If you deliberately harm your neighbor’s tree, you may be liable to your neighbor for two ...

What to do if neighbor refuses to remove tree?

If your neighbor is unwilling to remove a dangerous tree, you may have to go to court. A real estate lawyer can help you take the proper steps to remove the dangerous tree. If you chose to sue for damages, a real estate attorney can file the necessary paperwork and represent you in court.

What happens when a tree encroaches on a neighbor's property?

The tree encroaches the neighbor’s property. The tree’s roots or branches have caused property damage to neighbor’s property. The tree’s roots have clogged, crushed, or cracked a neighboring property’s pipes. The tree is poisonous and is threatening the neighbor’s health and safety. The tree seriously interferes with neighbor’s ability to use ...

Can you sue a neighbor for cutting down a tree?

Also, a utility company may trim a tree that threatens its equipment. Finally, if your neighbor refuses to do anything, you can sue him. You can claim that the dangerous tree is a nuisance, that it is unreasonable for your neighbor to keep the tree and that it interferes with the use and enjoyment of your own property.

What is neighbor law?

Neighbor law covers the many disputes that may occur between two individuals that live side by side. Of course, there are many sorts of disputes that can, and do, arise.

What are the most common neighbors disputes?

One of the most common neighbor disputes is perhaps property boundary issues. After all, fences exist not only for privacy, but also for the purpose of keeping others (mostly neighbors) out. Property boundary disputes can exist in two different forms; trespassing, and encroachment.

How to resolve property boundary disputes?

Such as most other disputes with neighbors. .. Property boundary disputes are often best resolved through talking with your neighbors. After all, you may be living next to them for a long time. Building a culture of resentment may be more stressful than correcting your neighbor’s actions involving police or the courts.

Can police help with noise ordinances?

Some cities have stricter noise ordinances than others, so the police may not be able to help very much. If you chose to file a lawsuit on your own, you must weight the benefits with the costs. The benefits may be a quiet neighbor, and even some extra cash. On the other hand, the cost of having an angry neighbor.