Remember, intentional and persistent harassment is a criminal offence and your neighbour could be prosecuted. Get help if you are in this situation.
Everyone should have the right to live in peace in their own home. If you are experiencing harassment, threatening or violent behaviour from a neighbour there are several courses of action you can take:
- You can try mediation (see the links below for more information about this)
- You can inform the police
- You can inform your neighbour's housing provider
- You can look for alternative accommodation
Informing the police
If you believe that your neighbour has committed a criminal offence i.e. has been racially abusive, threatened or carried out violent acts or damaged property, you should contact the Police. The Police have powers to prosecute individuals and groups who are guilty of harassment.
In an emergency, dial 999.
If you wish to report an incident and it is not an emergency, dial 872 5050 (Manchester residents only).
Informing your neighbour's housing provider
Manchester Housing and all registered social landlords have policies to deal with neighbour problems and anti-social behaviour. If your neighbour is a tenant of Manchester Housing or a Housing Association and is threatening you, you should report any incidents to your local housing office. If problems persist, action can be taken which could ultimately result in your neighbour being evicted.
If your neighbour is a private tenant, you may wish to contact their landlord directly. Your neighbour's landlord could decide to take action to evict your neighbour. You can obtain your neighbour's landlord's details for a small fee through the Land Registry (external website). If you do not want to contact your neighbour's landlord, or if your neighbour is an owner occupier, the Council may be able to take action against your neighbour. For more information, or to report a neighbour problem contact Housing On-Call on 0161 953 2525.
Looking for alternative accommodation
If you are afraid to remain in your home because of violence or threats of violence from neighbours, and you need to find alternative accommodation, you may be able to make a Homeless persons application (external website) - Manchester residents only.
Racial harassment
Racial harassment is a criminal offence. Manchester City Council has a responsibility to take action against people who commit or threaten racially motivated attacks. Council tenants (external website) can get help from their Housing Office.
There is also a 24 hour Racist and Hate Crime Report Line available to anyone in Manchester experiencing racial harassment:
Telephone: 08000 830 007
The Crime and Disorder Partnership may also be able to help you:
Telephone: 234 3388
Information on other websites
Shelter
Avoiding violence or abuse and problems with neighbours
Adviceguide (Citizens Advice)
Antisocial behaviour in housing and neighbour disputes
Age Concern
About mediation - If you are a resident of private retirement or sheltered housing, Age Concern mediation service may be able to help you resolve a dispute with other residents or with your landlord.
Need more help? Live in Manchester? Send us an email
Information Provider:
Manchester Advice
Date Reviewed:
28 October 2008
This information is for guidance only and is not an authoritative statement on the law. Please read our Terms and Conditions.
FeedbackDid you find this page useful? Yes or No