Neighbourhood Disputes
The most common disputes that arise between neighbours involve fences, trees and noise. As you will need to continue your relationship with your neighbour for quite some time, the best approach is to try to resolve any disputes in a friendly manner. It is often the case that some open discussion and a little bit of team work will lead to the resolution of your problem.
If you have attempted to resolve the problem with your neighbour but have not been successful, there may be a legal solution available to you. However, a court action should be considered as a last resort, and it is easier, cheaper and a lot less stressful to resolve your dispute through mediation or conciliation. Monash-Oakleigh Legal Service can provide you with a referral to an appropriate body for alternative dispute resolution.
If you are still unable to resolve your problem and it is necessary to commence legal action, or if legal proceedings have been brought against you, Monash-Oakleigh Legal Service may be able to help you.
We can provide you with advice about your rights and duties in relation to the following issues:
- One neighbour's trees overhanging another neighbour's property
- Tree roots causing damage to property
- Repairing and replacing fences
- Abusive or threatening behaviour between neighbours
If you are planning to have a fence reparied or replaced and you are seeking a contribution to the cost of the fence from your neighbour, you may require a Notice to Fence.
You may also find some materials relevant to your matter on our Forms & Downloads and Useful Linkspages.
