Horrid Neighbours

[carjack]

I really hope I don't come across as snooty or intolerant but I am nearing the end of my patience

I have lived next door to an extremely noisy, messy and smelly family for 6 years. We accept that we are quiet and some peope aren't BUT we are really fed up with being woken at 2 or 3 am three nights a week by screaming and slamming doors etc. The couple have 4 kids aged between 19 and 23 who between them have 6 young children. They all live in the same house after they all get evicted from their various accomodations. I listened in disbelief to a conversation I heard while hanging out my washing once when one of the daughters was pregnant. Believe me I couldn't HELP but overhear. .They had "narrowed it down" to one of a possible 4 fathers it could be. That sounds judgemental of me and it isn't meant to. Most of these kids have been taken into care at least once. The Police and ambulances and social services are frequent visitors to the house. I am embarassed to have people around because of the noise and the smell. In our garden when my MIL came round for tea once all we could hear was "you F***** B******" etc. They don't talk to each other they scream. They are pleasant enough people to talk to but hell to live next door to. I have always been polite when I have knocked on their door to ask them to turn down their blaring music late at night. They seem not to care about people's opinions or have any consideration. They stand in the street in their nightclothes screaming and swearing at each other. They tell everyone their business.I am aware that they have a lot of problems and it can't be easy with all of them living in one house, but I just want a quiet life! Would you think I was awful if I complained to the housing association about them? I don't want to be responsible for adding homelessness to their problems but politeness and calling The Police myself on occasion isn't working. Any advice??

[munchiepea]

i know how you feel and have the same problem with mine but not on such a bad scale as you seem to have it, my neighbours tend to be 'summer' noisy at all hours of the day and have no respect for others who live near by.
i have contacted the h.a and they were very helpful but it takes awhile as they need evidence before they can evict them as you have to write down everytime they distrurb you and what you hear etc.
last year we had her and her buddies sun bathing naked which my kids could see and a letter was sent out straight away but for the most part it just takes time good luck and do contact the h.a. they will help you in what ever you decide :-) x

[sleepyj]

i really feel for you i had really bad neighbours for 10 years it was hell . happy day when they moved out . could you move ? i know its not fair but if its making your life hell it might be worth it . good luck

[redcrx]

the propery next to ours is owned by a housing association. We have had reason to call the HA a few times following problems not quite as bad as yours. The HA will give them warnings and go through all sorts of paperwork etc before theyd even consider eviction.
Think of it as you giving this family a chance to change their ways and you a chance of some peace and quiet.

[melons]

I had to put up with horrible neighbours a couple of years back. Have to tried writing to the council about it, recording noise levels, photos of the untidy area etc. I cant guarrantee they woulnt find out it was you by the council but anything is worth a shot isnt it. It was awful for us living next to neighbours that were like that! So i really feel for you!

[MiniN]

my friend actually works for a housing association and definately recommends tenants getting in touch as the way they are acting is Anti Social and is obviously affecting you and your family and most likely others who live nearby.

you should not put up with it.

let us know what you do

x

[carjack]

Thanks for all your replies. I am going to have to think about this one as apparently the Housing Asociation's policy is to name names when responding to complaints or they won't do anything. I'm not sure I want to provoke a bad atmosphere., although Last night at 11pm one of the kids a 5 yr old girl was running around in the road screaming. It woke my kids. I suppose if they have enough complaints together with their continued Police visits they will HAVE to do something? Just out of curiosity, do the Police report back to the Housing association when they get repeated call outs?

[MiniN]

i dont think so. i think you should ring up the housing association and explain the situation before giving your name and find out some options.

also, mention to them that their actions are anti social and ask what the association is doing to combat it (ASB is big in housing at the moment - and might take it more seriously). i would also mention ASB next time you phone police.

long term - keep a diary of whats going on, perhaps talk to other neighbours who feel the same?

in short, dont ignore it, i doubt they'll suddenly convert to the perfect nighbours!

[Genesis]

My friend has had to put up with a similar situation for a year or so now. Despite calls to the police, the Housing Association, keeping records, taking photos etc etc, the Housing Association have now closed their file on the case as my friend is not prepared to be a named complainant. Unless she allows her name to be used, the HA will not proceed with any action against these people. Unfortunately, the HA cannot guarantee that eviction will be the outcome even if action is taken against them. My friend is, therefore, obviously reluctant to let her name be used, for fear of repercussions. It's a vicious circle, and she and you have my sympathies.