What Renters in Wales Can Do About Neighbour Harassment

If you’re renting in Wales and facing harassment from neighbours, it can feel overwhelming and isolating. But you have clear rights, and there are steps you can take to seek protection and support. This guide explains what harassment by neighbours means, your legal protections in Wales, and what practical actions you can take to resolve issues.

Understanding Neighbour Harassment in Wales

Harassment by neighbours includes behaviour that makes you feel unsafe, threatened, or distressed. This can be:

• Threatening or aggressive behaviour
• Intimidation or bullying
• Verbal abuse or hate speech (including racism or discrimination)
• Property damage or vandalism
• Repeated nuisance behaviour (noise, mess, etc.)

Under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997¹ and the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016², you do not have to tolerate harassment in your home.

Your Legal Protections as a Renter

Renters in Wales are protected by national legislation, including:

• Protection from Harassment Act 1997: Gives you the right to be free from harassment or victimisation.
• Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016: Sets minimum standards for landlords and gives renters protections to enjoy peaceful occupation of their home.
• Equality Act 2010: Prevents discrimination or harassment based on race, disability, sex, religion, and other protected characteristics. Read the Equality Act.

If your neighbour’s harassment is related to a protected characteristic (for example, racial abuse), this may be a hate crime, and you can contact the police directly.

What Steps Should You Take?

Addressing harassment can involve informal and formal actions:

• Keep a Harassment Diary: Record dates, times, and details of every incident with your neighbour. This evidence can help if you need to escalate the issue.
• Report to Your Landlord: Let your landlord or letting agent know as soon as possible. They have a duty to act on antisocial behaviour under your tenancy agreement and legislation.
• Contact Your Local Authority: The council’s housing or antisocial behaviour team can offer intervention and mediation between you and the neighbour.
• Involve the Police: If you feel threatened or there is violence, call 999 in emergencies or 101 in non-emergencies.
  You can also report hate incidents directly to the police.
• Seek a Civil Injunction: For severe cases, you may apply for a court order (injunction) to prevent further harassment. This often requires legal advice.

Official Tribunal and Complaint Pathways in Wales

Neighbour disputes or complaints related to anti-social behaviour can be raised with:

• Residential Property Tribunal for Wales³: This tribunal handles certain housing disputes, including issues of property standards, repairing obligations, and unlawful eviction. For severe neighbour harassment, court involvement is more typical, but some disputes may relate to tenancy management.

Key Forms and How to Use Them

• ASB Complaint Form — Many Welsh local authorities provide an online or printable Anti-Social Behaviour Complaint Form for reporting issues. Example: Report Anti-Social Behaviour – Cardiff Council. Use this form when you want your local council to investigate ongoing harassment, mediation, or take enforcement action.
• Police Report (Non-emergency) — Use the Police online reporting tool for non-emergency harassment that may be a criminal offence.
• Application for Injunctions or Protection: To seek a legal injunction for harassment, use Form N16A: Application for an injunction (general form). This is typically supported by a solicitor or advice service and suitable for more severe or ongoing harassment.

Always keep copies of all forms and communications for your records.

What to Expect From Your Landlord or Council

Landlords and councils must not ignore reports of harassment. Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, landlords must help you enjoy your home peacefully. This may include:

• Speaking to the neighbour on your behalf
• Offering mediation or referring you to council services
• Supporting your reports to the police
• Taking action against tenants causing harassment (if they manage both properties)

FAQ: Dealing with Harassment from Neighbours in Wales

1. Can my landlord evict me if I complain about harassment?
   No, by law, landlords must not take retaliatory action (like eviction) because you’ve reported harassment. If you face threats of eviction, contact your local council or a tenant support service for advice.
2. What if my neighbour is another tenant in the same building?
   Your landlord may have responsibilities towards all tenants in the building and should investigate if one tenant is harassing another. Raise your concerns with your landlord and local council.
3. Do I need a solicitor to apply for an injunction against harassment?
   While you can apply for an injunction yourself using Form N16A, professional legal advice is strongly recommended for complex or serious cases.
4. Is mediation available for neighbour disputes?
   Yes, many Welsh councils offer free or low-cost mediation services to help resolve neighbour disputes. Ask your local authority’s housing options team for more details.
5. What counts as evidence if I report harassment?
   Keep a written diary with dates and times, take photographs if safe, save any written threats or abusive messages, and record details of witnesses.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Renters in Wales have strong legal protections against harassment from neighbours.
• Record all incidents, report them to your landlord and council, and escalate to the police if needed.
• Official forms and local authorities can help, and the Residential Property Tribunal for Wales offers dispute resolution for some housing issues.

Act early and seek advice if you feel threatened or unsafe in your rented home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Residential Property Tribunal for Wales – Housing disputes and tenant rights
• Report a crime (GOV.UK) – For serious incidents or hate crime
• Shelter Cymru: Get Advice – Free independent advice for renters
• Citizens Advice Wales: Problems Where You Live – Help with harassment and neighbourhood problems
• Your local council antisocial behaviour team (search on your council’s official website)

1. Protection from Harassment Act 1997
2. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
3. Residential Property Tribunal for Wales