Neighbourhood disputes
We are committed to working with local councils, tenants, household members and other agencies to make your community a safe, healthy and peaceful place to live.
This page provides information about how we can work together to resolve any neighbourhood disputes.
What is a neighbourhood dispute?
If neighbours have disagreements about things such as loud music, loud parties, fighting or visitors causing problems, it can become a neighbourhood dispute if the issue isn’t resolved.
Tenant responsibilities
Minor neighbourhood disputes can be resolved if neighbours talk to each other about the problem. Sometimes the other person doesn’t know that they’re disturbing you.
Read some tips about how to approach and resolve issues with your neighbours.
If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your neighbour about the problem, you can:
- ask Housing staff to help - to do this, put in a complaint (in writing or verbally) by visiting the Housing office/hub
- access free dispute resolution services if you want a third party to help settle the dispute
- talk to the local police if the situation becomes serious or you feel your safety, property or pets are in danger.
What the department can do to help
We can action matters that fall within the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 as a landlord or agent acting on behalf of the council.
We will investigate any complaints we receive and take appropriate actions, which may include:
- issuing a ‘Notice to remedy breach’, which gives the tenant 16 days to fix the problem
- referring you to other agencies for help, such as a Community Justice Groups or other mediation services
- asking local police to help if it’s a serious dispute
- transferring you to another property if this is practical.
If you receive threats from neighbours, you should talk your local police immediately.
More information
Please talk to Housing staff if you need more information about neighbourhood disputes.