We assisted a client in resolving a distressing neighbour dispute involving a shared pathway, an obstructive gate, and an aggressive dog.
The issue began when the neighbour installed a gate that hindered the client’s access to their property, exacerbating the client’s mobility challenges due to a disability.
Additionally, the neighbour frequently allowed their dog to roam unleashed in the shared area. Unfortunately, the dog exhibited aggressive behaviour and threatened the client as they entered or exited their home.
Despite the client’s repeated requests for the neighbour to leash the dog and remove the gate, no action was taken by the neighbour to resolve the issue.
To fully understand the situation so an appropriate strategy could be adopted, we spent time with the client properly getting to grips with the problem and looking at the route she took in and out of her home. We then sent a formal Letter Before Action to the neighbour, detailing the issues at hand and the legal implications of their actions. This letter served as a formal request for the removal of the gate and the proper restraint of the dog in the shared area.
The approach yielded swift results. On the day the letter was received, the neighbour removed the gate, and the dog has since been consistently leashed in the shared space. This prompt resolution significantly impacted our client in a positive way leaving them happy and feeling safe when accessing their own home.
This case exemplifies how early legal intervention can resolve neighbour disputes efficiently without resorting to costly court proceedings. By seeking advice promptly, the client was able to address the issue head-on, preventing escalation. Neighbour disputes can often be settled through clear communication and legal guidance without the need for court.
Early intervention can often prevent disputes from escalating, saving time, stress, and financial resources.
