Nuisance
An unlawful interference with a person's use or enjoyment of land (private nuisance) or with a right common to the general public (public nuisance). Private nuisance involves a balancing of competing land uses.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
In practice, official guidance treats nuisance disputes between neighbours as something to be escalated through stages rather than taken straight to court. It recommends trying to solve the problem informally first, and notes that a mediation service is a further option 'if raising the issue informally does not work.' Litigation is presented as a last resort: 'As a last resort you can take legal action through the courts.'
Alongside the general civil wrong, a distinct statutory route exists for certain nuisances: where the matter falls within the definition of a 'statutory nuisance' (for example loud music or barking dogs), a complaint can be made directly to the local council rather than through private litigation — 'If the dispute involves a statutory nuisance (something like loud music or barking dogs), you can make a complaint to your local council.' Contacting the police is separately appropriate only where the neighbour's conduct is independently unlawful: 'Contact the police if your neighbour is breaking the law by being violent or harassing you.'
Related terms
Official sources
This explanation is drawn from the official sources below; every substantive statement is verified against them. For advice on a specific matter, see our find help page.