When you bought your home, you probably had plans for how you hoped to enjoy your property in the future. Perhaps you wanted to fence in the backyard so your dog could run, or maybe you hoped to put in a pool so your family could enjoy long summer days together. Your plans for the future and enjoyment of your property can come to a halt when you live next door to a neighbor who is a pain in the neck.
If you live next door to a neighbor who is a nuisance, you may think that there is nothing you can do except move or ignore it. However, behavior that was once annoying or aggravating may eventually step over the line, and you may be able to do something about it. When involved in any type of neighbor dispute or real estate issue, it can be helpful to take steps to learn about your legal options.
More than a nuisance
You may not know that the law allows for people to bring a lawsuit against a neighboring property owner over a nuisance. This is an appropriate course of action when your neighbor’s actions impact your use and enjoyment of your own property, even if there has been no physical encroachment or trespass.
There are times when a neighbor’s behavior is more than just a nuisance. Eventually, his or her behavior may actually be a threat to your property rights, and it is appropriate to move forward with a trespass action. Situations in which this may be necessary include:
- Your neighbor continually comes onto your property without permission or allows his or her guests to do so.
- Your neighbor allows his or her animals to feed on your land.
- Your neighbor drives on or through your property.
These are just a few examples of when the legal principle of trespass may apply. If you are unsure of what to do next or simply want to know how to make it stop, you may find it helpful to seek an explanation of your legal options.
The legal issues at hand
In cases involving trespassing, other real estate legal issues may play a role as well, such as zoning issues, boundary disputes, ownership disputes and more. These matters can be complex, and it is in your interests to work closely with an experienced legal professional who can help you seek a beneficial outcome to your situation. You are entitled to fight for your property rights and to enjoy your own property as you see fit.
