Is there UK law to insist that neighbours maintain their homes & gardens.?

Question

E.G. Tall trees that block light, overgrown bushes that look untidy and spill out over public footpath. Building falling into dis-repair.

Answer 1

In general No,
However if tall trees for example block a neighbours sunlight or path / footpath, there is a legal obligation to remove / cut them ect..

Some buildings (usually old established) have listings on them, however letting these fall in to dis repair would possibly not lead to any form on conviction.

Answer 2

There are various laws which apply to good neighbourlyness but none of them are arrestable, in terms of the question raised. Your neighbour cannot block out your light as you have a "right to light". This has come to a head in the past few years through people planting lelandii, whcih grow at an ernormous rate and get past 15-20 ft quite quickly. You cannot grow anything which will trespass on your neighbours land either, such as tree roots, which might undermine foundations. The local council may intervene if bushes, etc. are growing from a garden onto a public right of way. If a building falls into disrepair, and is dangerous, a notice can be issued by the local council to either improve it or demolish it. Some local councils will take action themselves to remedy a structural defect. An earlier post stated that most buildings have restricitve covenants, but they are not usually anything to do with the upkeep of the property. Instead, they may restrict the use of the building, so that say, no work can be carried out from the premises.

Answer 3

ok, so one can only assume that you dont get on with the neighbours. I furthermore read from your tone that you are angry and want to get back at your neighbours for something, whether its merely the tree i cannot say. as a mature adult i can only think that its NOT just the tree, cause generally people talk to the neighbours about small irritations such as what you've outlined. What you could do which is well within your rights (if you're not on speaking terms with them) is to write them a letter and keep a copy of the letter (and make sure you post it so that you can ask the post office for a posting receipt). in this way, you will have proof (in case it goes to court) that you informed them you are not happy with their tree hanging over. This makes it all nice and formal and unambiguous. YOu can ask them to remove their things (that which is a reasonable request) from your property, and give a time frame of 2-4 weeks) so that a judge or legal professional can see that you have not only made a reasonable request, but that you've been kind enough to allow them time to deal with what you feel is effectively a problem. If they still dont remove the boughs of the tree in your garden, write again and say that you will cut if off. (Wait one week). If they don't do anything, cut if off. I'm pretty sure they'll have removed it before you need to take action.

Answer 4

Yes, many many statutes have gone through as acts of Parliament with these problems, so technically they are all laws....

most local authorities will be able to help with all of these.

Dangerous Buildings - Local authority Building Control under the Building Control Act 1990

High hedges ( including trees etc lleylandi etc ) Usually dealt with by local Planning department but this may be delegated to environmental Health department

While the authority has the legislative powers to force people to maintain properties, it is generally not pursued unless on the basis of formal wrritten complaint.

Answer 5

There are certain laws concerning trees, hedges, etc. obstructing public footpaths, but not to clear what they are. Have a word with your neighbour. Just be nice about it. Even volunteer to help them out. If it bothers you that much that their garden looks untidy it`s a small price to pay. Fair enough, you shouldn`t have to tidy someone else`s garden but once it`s sorted out they may be more inclined to look after it better.

Answer 6

Most properties have restrictive covenants, and also a right to light and air. The covenants mean that the owner is bound to maintain the property in a certain way and not to do certain things (e.g. put up tall fences, display advertising etc) - try www.landregistrydirect.gov.uk for a copy of the title where you may be able to see the restrictive covenants.

Answer 7

If trees or bushes encrouch onto your property you are allowed to trim them, but you MUST inform them in advance and offer to return the trimmings to the owner of the tree if they want them.

There is no law in effect that says an owner must keep the property clean and tidy or the lands with the property, however if it is a council property it will be in the lease that they must keep it in good order so you could complain to the council or letting agency.

Answer 8

Only where it effects public property and that does not include the individual.
You have rights and the law can intervene, but only if you pay for it.
You will find every law in the country provides an earner for someone involved with the law.
It's like yeast. Spread a little sugar and it doubles itself.

Answer 9

yes, there are.You can even take to court for environmental issues BUT it is better always to maintain a good relationship with your neighbours.
Knock at their door and politely ask if they could help you to clean the place or shorten the trees that block the light or whatever the issue is.If they did not call the council environment staff and seek advice. The council can take the case over. My advice is to keep good relationship with them , who knows you may need them one day.

Answer 10

I have a feeling that this may come into a Civil Litigation matter. Maybe considered a Private Nuisance.
This is a Tort which deals with disputes between adjacent land owners