BE NICE TO YOUR NEIGHBOURS

YOU MIGHT be able to choose your home, but you cannot select your neighbours.

“Dealing with neighbour disputes can therefore be an unfortunate by-product of homeownership,” says Adrian Goslett, regional director and chief executive of Re/Max of Southern Africa.

“These tend to increase over the festive season when many take their annual leave and spend more hours at home. “The reassuring thing is there are laws to protect the interests of homeowners who are living within their rights.”

He says local police can follow up on complaints around boundary wall offences or noise complaints. If these interventions do not help, homeowners can bring the issue to their nearest court.

However, before involving the police or resorting to extreme measures, Goslett recommends homeowners first try to resolve the issue directly with their neighbours.

“Taking these issues up with the authorities can be an uncomfortable process when you live next to the person you’re calling the cops on.

“It is always advisable to attempt to resolve these issues between the responsible parties before getting others involved.”

Home owners should try resolving disputes with their neighbours directly before involving the police or courts. PICTURE: PIXABAY