This page provides information on being a good neighbour, resolving neighbour disputes, information on common neighbour issues including fences, trees and noise.
Preventing disputes with neighbours
As a neighbour, there will be situations where your actions on your property may impact your neighbours, and vice versa. It’s important to be mindful of the noise you generate in your home and yard.
Below are some common neighbour disputes and how you can prevent and resolve them:
FAQs
A dividing fence is typically a fence that separates two properties owned by different people. It doesn’t include a fence along a road boundary or a retaining wall. On the other hand, a street wall or fence is a wall, screen, or barrier that faces a street boundary and is in the main street area (usually anywhere in front of a house). This also includes fences on the side boundaries in the street setback area.
Yes, you can manage certain boundary problems without your neighbour’s involvement. For example, you’re allowed to cut branches that hang over into your property. You can also cut back or remove a tree up to your property line or fence. But remember, you shouldn’t damage the tree, cut branches or roots if the tree is protected by a preservation order, or enter your neighbour’s property without their permission.
Legally, you have the right to cut and remove any tree branches or roots that cross over from your neighbour’s land into yours, up to the edge of your property. If you cut anything on your neighbour’s property, you could be held responsible for property damage. Although the law doesn’t require you to notify your neighbour before taking this action, it’s a good idea to inform them about what you plan to do.
How to resolve neighbourhood disputes
If you are having a disagreement or issue with your neighbours, it’s important to address it directly and tactfully as soon as you can.
Here are a few tips to resolve disputes with your neighbours:
- Always aim to sort out the problem directly with your neighbour first, by having a chat in person
- Avoid using text messages or emails which can be misunderstood easily
- Try to stay calm, positive, and polite and concentrate on the problem, not the person
- Be clear about the problem and what you want them to do or agree to. Clearly explain the problem and what you want them to do or agree to. Listen to their worries and take them seriously
- When a person feels they’ve been listened to and understood, problems are often easier to solve.
Reporting an issue
If you’re having problems with a neighbour, try to talk to them politely first before doing anything that could impact them or their enjoyment of the neighbourhood. If the issue persists, it’s a good idea to keep track of what’s happening and when. This could be helpful if you need to take legal action. If talking or mediation doesn’t help, or if you suspect criminal behaviour, you can report your neighbours to the right authority.
When to contact the City
If the issue is related to local laws, like fences, loud noise, burning off, unsightly premises, fire hazards, or dangerous, noisy, or wandering pets, you can contact us at (08) 9205 8555.
When to call the police
If there is a loud party in the early hours, or if a neighbour is harassing you or threatening violence, you can call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
When to call Triple Zero (000)
If the issue involved family violence and you think someone might be in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000) right away.
Also call emergency services if someone’s life, property or your personal safety is under immediate threat and you need emergency services urgently.
When to call Crime Stoppers
If you suspect a neighbour or criminal or hoon behaviour, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or lodge an online report.
Resources
- Legal Aid WA - Legal Aid is an organisation run by the State Government that offers legal assistance to people in Western Australia. You can visit the Legal Aid website to see what services they provide
- Perth Magistrates Court - The Perth Magistrates Court can help resolve civil issues, like disputes over dividing fences
- Citizen’s Advice Bureau - City-funded mediation services, to support resolution of civil disputes, are available to residents and rate payers via the Citizens Advice Bureau. Learn more on the Citizens Advice Bureau website, or submit a Mediation Referral Form here.
- Mediation services - Mediation is a process where a natural third party helps people in a dispute identify issues and explore options for agreement. The mediator won’t take sides or make decisions for you. You can find a list of mediation services in Western Australia on the Legal Aid website.
