Dealing with neighbours from hell

When the neighbours from hell move next door an otherwise peaceful existence can be turned upside down.

Rather than a hit man there are legitimate, and cheaper, solutions. The first step is to simply knock on their door and explain the problem. But do give your safety top priority.

If you're at all concerned take along a friend or partner, and walk away if you feel threatened. As anyone who's ever had nuisance neighbours will know, polite requests for domestic harmony don't always work.

If the problem persists, note down dates and times of the noise or other issues. Then get in touch with a Community Justice Centre (CJC) - your state or territory justice department can provide details.

CJCs are government-funded, independent centres that specialise in settling neighbour disputes through mediation sessions. It's a free service that claims a high success rate.

If your neighbour is unwilling to consider mediation, your local council may serve a noise abatement notice.

This is where keeping a record of the problem can come in handy.

Councils may impose fines if noise limits are exceeded at certain times of the day. It may be worth gathering a petition to present to your local council - or your neighbour.

It may not solve the problem but at least the folks next door will be aware they're raising the hackles of the neighbourhood.

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