Nuisances and the law

You may feel that something that annoys or bothers you is a nuisance. The test in law is quite different and is based on what the ordinary reasonable person should have to suffer.

A balance has to be maintained between the rights of people complained about to do what they like in their own home and the rights of the people complaining to enjoy their home peacefully.

We can only take action if the nuisance is defined as a statutory nuisance by the Environmental Protection Act of 1990 as amended by the Noise Act of 1996 - this is explained on the webpage describing what constitutes a nuisance. However, you may also have a right to take private legal action under common law.



The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act of 2000

Local authorities have certain powers to carry out surveillance - for example to investigate...

More

What constitutes a nuisance?

You may feel that something that annoys or bothers you is a nuisance. The test in law is quite...

More

Factors in determining a nuisance

We follow case law and common law in deciding whether an incident counts as a statutory nuisance.

More

How to complain about nuisance

If you need advice about how to deal with problems such as smells, noise and so on, you can contact...

More