Throughout Biblical history, there are references to the requirement to ‘love thy neighbour’. Jesus even said it was one of the two “greatest” commandments handed down to Moses.
But 21 centuries on, the concept of being a good neighbour is more of a rarity than an everyday occurrence – so much so, that the Victoria Law Foundation has felt compelled to publish a guide to legal issues and neighbours.
Neighbours, the law and you aims to prevent “thousands of Victorians” from ending up in mediation or even court. It is a free publication that lets people know of their rights and responsibilities as a neighbour and covers some of the most common areas of dispute.
It is perhaps a sad indictment on our community that the “big” issues that can cause neighbours to have a legal stoush are fences, trees, noise and pets.
Victoria Law Foundation Executive Director Joh Kirby said neighbourhood issues often end up escalatingsimply because people don’t know what their rights are or where to seek support.
“Neighbours, the law and you is the first port of call for anyone experiencing problems with theirneighbours,” Ms Kirby said.
“Having a basic understanding of your rights and responsibilities as a neighbour can help make sureneighbourhood problems don’t get out of hand and end in legal action, which is always a last resort.”
Local councils, who often bear the brunt of neighbour complaints and issues, have welcomed the newpublication.
City of Boroondara Local Laws Coordinator Greg Talbot said each year councils receive hundreds ofcomplaints about neighbourhood issues, which are often the result of a misunderstanding.
“We receive hundreds of complaints from people about fences, pets, trees, noise and many other matters,which can quickly become stressful and turn nasty if people don’t understand the law and theirresponsibilities,” Mr Talbot said.
He said he hoped that Neighbours, the law and you will help prevent small situations becoming larger issues.”
A copy of the publication is available here.
Alternatively, you could try the old-fashioned way: just knock on the door, introduce yourself and ask for a cup of milk. You just never know just how far a friendly conversation might get you.
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