What to do if you have a problem with your neighbour
On this page:
Your rights and responsibilities
Common problems with a neighbour and what you can do about it
Noisy people
Machine noise
Noisy animals and strays
Graffiti and vandalism
Your rights and responsibilities
Everyone is entitled to live quietly and respectfully in their home regardless of where they live, or whether they rent or own a property. You are not expected to tolerate excessive noise, or physical or verbal abuse from a neighbour.
Tenants renting public or community housing or privately who interfere with the comfort, peace and privacy of their neighbours are breaching the conditions of their lease agreement.
Tenants are responsible for:
the behaviour of everyone living in or visiting the property
the behaviour and welfare of pets and other animals
the condition of the house, garden and yard.
[top of page]
Common problems with a neighbour and what you can do about it
If you feel that your safety or the safety of others is at risk, contact the police immediately on phone 131 444 (or 000 in an emergency).
If you do experience problems with your neighbours, first try discussing the problem with them in a calm and courteous manner.
If the issue continues you can contact Community Mediation Services for advice and assistance to reach a mutual resolution with your neighbours.
[top of page]
Noisy people
This includes noise from TVs, music and parties. If there are noise problems late at night phone the police on 131 444.
If your neighbour is renting you can contact their landlord and ask them to intervene. To find out who owns a property contact your local council or search the property’s address on the Property Assist website.
If your neighbour lives in public housing contact Housing SA to lodge a complaint. All complaints are kept confidential and you can choose to remain anonymous.
If the problem continues you can contact Consumer and Business Services for advice. You can submit an application (PDF 41KB) to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Section 90) for a hearing to seek having them evicted from the property. Before submitting an application it is recommended that you read Information on section 90 applications (PDF 29KB). For an alternative version of these documents contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal Registry.
It is recommended that you keep a record of what happens and when. The disruptive tenancy complaint diary (PDF 64KB ) (Word 70KB ) has a guide to the information you should keep.
[top of page]
Machine noise
Machine noise can include noise from air conditioners, power tools and household appliances. For information and advice contact the Environmental Protection Agency.
[top of page]
Noisy animals and strays
Problems with animal noise or strays should be reported to your local council .
If you suspect that an animal is being abused or has been abandoned contact the RSPCA online or phone them on 1300 477 722.
If your dog barks constantly the RSPCA and the Animal Welfare League are able to provide information on training and control.
[top of page]
Graffiti and vandalism
If you witness an act of vandalism, phone the police on 131 444.
If graffiti is located in a public space - eg a park, your local council will be able to organise for this to be cleaned.
If graffiti is on property owned privately – eg by Housing SA, contact the property owner to inform them and ask that it is removed.
[top of page]
More information
On this site
Organising repairs at your property
Neighbourhood safety
Safety at home and in the community
Domestic violence
Domestic animals
Other websites
Noise complaints - Environment Protection Authority
Find your local police station - South Australia Police
Companion animals - Department for Environment and Heritage
Downloads
Domestic and family violence (PDF 326KB ) (Word 806KB )
Dispute resolution (PDF 369KB ) (Word 791KB )
Disruptive behaviour (PDF 250KB ) (Word 789KB )
PropertyAssist price list (PDF 70KB)
PropertyAssist (PDF 405KB)
For an alternative version to these documents contact Land Services Group.
Information on section 90 applications (PDF 29KB)
For an alternative version of this document contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal Registry.
Contact
LSG Contacts
Child Abuse Report Line phone 131 478 - free and confidential service
Domestic Violence Crisis Service phone 1300 782 200 - free and confidential service. |