If you’re feeling frustrated or stressed because of issues with your neighbour—whether it’s noise, boundaries, or parking—you’re not alone. Living close to others means sharing space, and sometimes tensions can build up.
At Resolve West, we’re here to help you find practical, respectful ways to handle neighbour problems before they turn into bigger issues.
Here are five simple approaches you can try:
1. Listen to Their Side, Even When It’s Hard
When a neighbour’s behaviour is upsetting you, it can be tempting to shut down or get defensive. But taking a moment to understand their point of view—even if you don’t agree—can calm things down.
For example, if noise is an issue, try saying, “I understand that you might not have realised the noise was affecting me.” This can open the door for a better conversation.
If talking face-to-face feels too difficult, consider leaving a polite note explaining how their actions affect you. Sometimes a kind message can start a positive dialogue.
2. Ask for Help from Someone Neutral
If you’ve tried talking but things aren’t improving, or if the situation feels too tense, a neutral third party can help. Our trained practitioners at Resolve West can guide conversations between neighbours to help you both be heard and find solutions together.
3. Look for Ways to Compromise
Sometimes it’s about finding a middle ground. Maybe your neighbour can keep noise down during certain hours, or you can agree on shared garden maintenance responsibilities. Even small compromises can make daily life much easier.
4. Take Time to Cool Off Before Responding
When emotions run high, it’s okay to take a step back and let things settle before addressing the issue again. Giving yourself space and time can prevent conflicts from escalating and help you approach conversations with a clearer, calmer mindset.
5. Set Clear Boundaries and Express Your Needs
Being clear about what you need to feel comfortable is important. Let your neighbour know politely what’s causing you stress and what changes would help. Setting boundaries isn’t about confrontation; it’s about respect and understanding.
What if Your Neighbour Doesn’t Want to Talk?
Sometimes neighbours aren’t willing to communicate at all. In these situations, conflict coaching can help. Conflict coaching is a one-on-one support where you can learn practical skills to manage your own reactions, reduce stress, and live more peacefully despite the difficulties.
Our Practitioners work with you to build confidence, improve communication skills, and find personal strategies to cope when direct conversations aren’t possible.
Feeling upset with a neighbour is hard, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Our approachable and experienced team at Resolve West is ready to support you early on, helping stop neighbour tensions from escalating.
In some cases, our support can be provided free of charge, so please get in touch to find out what help might be available for your situation.
If you’re struggling or unsure what to do next, reach out to us. We’re here to help you build a safer, more respectful community where everyone can feel at home.