My neighbor across the street has his house decorated with Christmas lights and it sparkles and shines like the lights of Blackpool through my windows.
Can I get rid of him?
PW, St Albans.
Dean Dunham replied: My first piece of advice when it comes to intimate partner issues is to try to resolve the issue amicably by explaining the situation and trying to come to an amicable resolution.
Here, remember that lights are only temporary so you should ask yourself first if you can stay with them for a while or if you have trouble saying something.
Conflict may cause certain lights to be turned off or disabled at some point.
“My first tip for intimate partner issues is to try to resolve the issue amicably,” says Dean Dunham.
If talking to your neighbor doesn’t help, and it really bothers you, your next step is to contact your local council and ask what their regulations are about light pollution and nuisance lighting.
In this context, it is worth noting that there is a council obligation to investigate complaints about artificial lighting if it is considered a legal nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
This means that the lighting must interfere with the use or enjoyment of your home, or cause injury to health.
If the council agrees that the lights are a legal nuisance, they can issue a warning notice telling your neighbor to stop or ban the lighting.
Before you start following the steps I offer a word of warning. If your actions continue to conflict with your roommate, not only will it cause inconvenience to everyone involved, but it will also provide important information that you will need to present when you decide to sell your home. You may end up buying from a seller – or you may downsize your home.
