Common Issues

Neighbour disputes tend to fall into a handful of recurring categories. Whether you're dealing with relentless noise, a contentious fence, an overhanging tree, a troublesome pet, privacy-invading cameras, or threatening behaviour, you'll find practical guidance in the sections below.

🔊 Noise Complaints & Solutions

Noise from neighbours is one of the most common and frustrating disputes. Whether it's loud music, barking dogs, power tools, or parties, excessive noise can seriously impact your quality of life and wellbeing. This section covers how Australian noise regulations work, the types of noise problems you may encounter, and the step-by-step process for making a formal complaint — from talking to your neighbour through to council enforcement and noise abatement orders.

🏗️ Fence Disputes & Regulations

Fence disputes are among the most common and contentious neighbour conflicts in Australia. Whether it's about who pays, fence height, materials, or placement, understanding your rights and responsibilities is essential. We explain the Dividing Fences Act, how the fencing notice process works, what you can do when a neighbour refuses to cooperate, and how to handle special situations like rental properties and boundary disagreements.

🌳 Trees & Vegetation

Tree disputes are among the most complex neighbourhood conflicts, involving property rights, council regulations, environmental protections, and potential damage claims. This section covers your legal right to trim branches at the boundary line, what to do when a tree causes damage or poses a risk, how Council Tree Protection Orders work, and how to pursue compensation or take formal action when a neighbour's vegetation is affecting your property or enjoyment of your home.

🐾 Dogs, Cats & Pets

Pet-related disputes are among the most common neighbourhood conflicts in Australia, ranging from excessive barking and roaming animals to property damage and aggressive behaviour. We cover how to deal with a persistently barking dog, what councils can do about roaming or dangerous animals, how to make a formal complaint, and what options are available when a neighbour's pet has caused damage or injury to you, your family, or your property.

📹 CCTV & Privacy

Surveillance cameras are increasingly common in residential areas, but they must balance legitimate security needs with neighbours' privacy rights and legal compliance requirements. This section explains what Australian privacy law says about residential CCTV, what is and isn't considered reasonable, how to recognise potentially unlawful surveillance, and the steps you can take — from talking to your neighbour through to formal complaints and legal remedies — if a camera is pointed at your property.

🛡️ Apprehended Violence Orders & Stalking

When a neighbour's behaviour crosses from unpleasant into threatening, intimidating, or obsessive, the law provides serious protections. This section covers Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs) — what they are, the different types available, and when and how to apply for one. We also explain how Australian stalking laws work, how to recognise stalking patterns, how to document incidents effectively, and what support is available if you feel unsafe in your own home.

💡 Not Sure Where to Start?

If your situation involves multiple issues, or you're not yet sure how serious things are, the Manage the Situation section is a good place to begin. It walks you through the full process from first contact to formal escalation.