My neighbour’s light shines into my sitting room. What are my rights?—The Times
Partner Ed Cracknell has responded to a reader in The Times ‘Home Help’ feature, querying their legal rights if a neighbour's bright LED light is shining into their sitting room and the neighbour refuses to adjust it despite discussions.
Ed advises that security lights can be considered a legal nuisance if they significantly disrupt the enjoyment of a property, depending on factors like frequency, intensity and duration. He suggests keeping a detailed log and photographic evidence of the impact before sending a formal letter asking the neighbour to make adjustments. If the issue persists, legal action or involving the local authority may be necessary, though both options have financial and practical implications.
If the neighbour refuses to make those adjustments or if, adjustments having been made, the light is still bothering you, you could send another letter explaining that if the neighbour does not do something to improve the situation you will apply to court for an injunction.
You should ideally have a solicitor prepare the letter and conduct any subsequent court proceedings for you but bear in mind that the process may be expensive and time-consuming. Disputes are disclosed on a sale of the property so there is a risk of prospective purchasers being put off.
The full article is available to read online on The Times’ website here, available by subscription only.
Ed Cracknell is a partner in the property litigation team specialising in all aspects of property dispute resolution. His areas of expertise include landlord and tenant disputes, business lease renewals and terminations, possession claims and development disputes.
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