Reporting a neighbour. Reasons, how much it costs and how to file a complaint.

Neighbourhood conflicts are the order of the day. After all, when you have to share a building with dozens of families, it is normal that some friction will arise, whether it is due to annoying noise, littering the common areas or any other issue.

Generally, these problems do not usually go any further. However, there are times when they do. That is why here we want to explain how to report a neighbour and how much the procedure can cost. Pay attention if you are considering it.

Main grounds for reporting a neighbour

The first thing to do is to differentiate between what can be considered a "nuisance" and actions constituting a criminal offence. In the first case, we would be talking about the generation of noise at inopportune hours. For example, by shouting and arguing, by holding parties or playing loud music. In this section we could also include those who litter the common areas or make irresponsible use of them.

However, the nuisance neighbour can also go further. For example, by vandalising elements of the community or of the owner (the access door to the property, the doorbell, the entry phone or the doormat, for example) or by illegally hooking up the electricity or water supply. In these cases, we would be talking about crimes or, at least, misdemeanours that could give rise to claims for damages against a neighbour.

How to report a neighbour?

Before reporting a neighbour, it is advisable to talk to him, as the judicial process can be long and costly. A friendly meeting, in which the problem is explained and an agreed solution is sought, is almost always the best solution. However, there are occasions when it is impossible to reach an agreement. In that case, there are three options available:

• Suing the community: the Horizontal Property Law allows communities of owners to establish sanctions against those neighbours who carry out annoying, noxious, illicit, dangerous or unhealthy actions. This first instance is usually sufficient in most cases.
• File a complaint with the Police or the Guardia Civil: in this case, the aim is to have a judge issue an order preventing the nuisance neighbour from continuing with his actions. It is also possible to claim compensation for damages. However, it will be necessary to provide evidence of what is being reported, such as local police reports or reports of assaults.
• Reporting a neighbour to the local council: this is another interesting option. In this sense, this local body can provide a mediation service to bring the parties closer together or even impose an administrative sanction on the neighbour who is causing the nuisance.

How much does it cost to sue a neighbour?

Obviously, suing a neighbour before the community will not involve any out-of-pocket expenses for the affected party. The same will be true if you decide to go to the town hall and report them for carrying out the actions you consider annoying.

However, filing a complaint with the National Police or the Guardia Civil and initiating legal proceedings will have a financial cost to your pocket. Specifically, because it will be necessary to pay the corresponding court fees, as well as the lawyer's and solicitor's fees. All these elements can vary considerably depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of damages claimed.

In addition, the complainant may have to bear other associated costs, such as the collection of evidence or the fees of experts to certify what is happening. It is true that, if the judge ultimately finds in your favour, it can be cost-effective, but in any case it is a process that could take years.

The answer to how much it costs to sue a neighbour depends on all the factors we have just mentioned. Therefore, it is virtually impossible to give an exact figure. It is always best to consult a specialist lawyer for the best legal advice.

What to do with a neighbour who is bothered by everything?

This is a very different question. In some homeowners' associations, there are neighbours who are particularly sensitive to any noise or habit. For example, they may complain about playing a musical instrument or having children playing or crying.

As we said before, the best thing to do is to talk to that neighbour and try to reach an understanding. However, as long as the noise is not made at ungodly hours and in moderation, there is nothing to worry about. Any complaints you make will not come to fruition.

This is all you need to know about the procedure for reporting a neighbour. As you have seen, there are three different alternatives, although dialogue is always preferable to any other option. However, if you have no choice but to sue, please contact us. We will advise you throughout the whole procedure so that you can face it with the maximum guarantees and gain quality of life.