Neighbourhood disputes

Resolve conflict, disputes or tension between neighbours, and the steps to take if you feel unsafe.

Dispute resolution information

Unresolved disputes between neighbours can create tension in your everyday life. Here are some steps that can resolve conflict within your neighbourhood.

Communicate calmly

If it is safe to do so, try speaking to your neighbour. They might not be aware there is a problem. When speaking to your neighbour:

• stick to the key issue
• consider the other person's point of view
• consider whether you need to apologise or acknowledge past disagreements
• make sure you are talking to the person who can make a decision
• consider whether a letter would be clearer and less emotional
• if you speak a different language to your neighbour, ask a friend or family member to help translate.

Get the right information

There are several departments in Victoria that can provide you with information and support.

Your local council

Contact your local council for:

• noise complaints
• dumped rubbish, and illegal or abandoned cars
  • the Snap Send Solve application is an efficient way to report these issues to your local council
• issues with your neighbour's pet(s)
• long-term issues such as machine or animal noise.

Victoria Police

Victoria Police can investigate criminal matters, including personal safety intervention order breaches.

Police may attend a noise complaint if it is happening regularly, or if the noise suggests another crime is being committed.

The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria

The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria provides free dispute resolution services, so people can avoid going to court.

They can assist with:

• residential tenancy disputes
• neighbour disputes involving trees and fencing
• disputes between members of a club
• workplace disagreements
• noise issues.

The Magistrates' Court of Victoria

To apply for a personal safety intervention order, contact the Magistrates' Court of Victoria on (03) 9087 6111 to book an appointment.

If your application is approved, a Magistrate will hear your case.

More information about the process is available on the Magistrates' Court of Victoria Personal safety intervention orders page.

For non-urgent questions, contact the court via email at customerassistance@courts.vic.gov.au.

Seek legal advice

For legal assistance:

• Find your nearest Community Legal Centre.
• The Law Institute of Legal Referral Service can refer you to a lawyer for a free 30-minute consultation. If you choose to continue after the initial consultation, fees will be charged at the agreed rate.
• You can find your own lawyer, but you will have to pay at your own cost.

What to do if you feel unsafe

If you experience threatening behaviour from your neighbour, do not confront them.

If you are hurt by your neighbour or concerned for your safety, call Triple Zero (000).

Report unsafe behaviour

For emergencies, to report a crime in progress, or for immediate police attendance, call Triple Zero (000).

For non-emergencies, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or report online at Police Assistance Line and Online Reporting.