Neighbor Law: Fences, Trees, Boundaries & Noise

by Emily Doskow, Lina Guillen

An easy-to-read guide on laws concerning common neighbor disputes

Is the noise from next door keeping you up at night? Is the view from your backyard being obstructed? Is a neighboring business driving you crazy? Your home is important to you and your neighbors aren’t going anywhere -- Neighbor Law can help you deal with difficult situations and keep your home life peaceful.

Learn your rights and responsibilities with this  clear-cut, comprehensive guide to the laws concerning common neighbor disputes. Learn your state's rules on:

- fences
- trees and other greenery that crosses the property line
- boundaries
- blocked views
- noise
- water runoff and flooding
- interference from nearby businesses
- dangers to children ("attractive nuisances")
- ...and more!

In plain English, Neighbor Law explains how to find applicable laws and resolve disputes without going to court, whenever possible. And, if you must go to small claims court, you'll find all the information and stragegies you need.

This edition is completely revised and provides new sample letters for engaging a neighbor over a dispute, and includes expanded information on mediation and dispute resolution. Plus, read new material on how to build community and prevent disputes.

Genres: Nonfiction, Law, Legal

373 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2001

About the author

Emily Doskow is a practicing attorney and mediator who has been working with families in the Bay Area for more than 30 years. She specializes in family law, including adoption, surrogacy, parentage issues, prenuptial agreements, and mediated and collaborative divorce. She is a graduate of Berkeley Law at the University of California at Berkeley and currently resides in Oakland. As an editor and author for Nolo, she has authored or coauthored numerous titles, including Nolo’s Essential Guide to Divorce; The Sharing Solution: How to Save Money, Simplify Your Life & Build Community (with Janelle Orsi), Making It Legal (with Frederick Hertz), and many others.

Reviews

[Matthew Lachkovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the 9th ed. (Mar. 2017).
Surprising good read with lots of great information. As the book itself suggests, I recommend also doing research outside the book to determine your own local laws and regulations (especially regarding where HOAs fit in).

[Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

The condescending tone in many parts of this book is hard to stomach, especially if you've legitimately been dealing with serious issues and possibly due to someone with a personality disorder or drug dependancy; ergo, grade school politics is not going to solve the problem of someone who gets joy out of annoying you -- having a book rub salt in the wound is extra unnecessary and unpleasant.

That being said, there are some useful nuggets of data that one may not have churned up themselves if they are a novice to neighbor issues and it's worth a glance. Just get it from a library and don't pay cover price to be insulted on top of the insult you're likely already struggling with. The back of the book has legitimate links, statements, and contact information regarding the law in these situations.

I'll add that if I have one regret with my neighbor problems, it was not involving the law sooner, acting more swiftly, and going over the landlords head immediately when they fail to act (or are unable) to control a neighbor's actions. I will also encourage anyone in such a situation to not give up easily, clear space in your schedule, focus, research, be kind but don't be afraid to be firm either because peace of mind -is- worth it after the stress.

[Carol Brannigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've ever had neighbors then you are bound to have differences in one facet or another- whether it be a tree or noise or the property line. This book details the tree and boundary issue very well. The part where I felt it fell short (only a little) was when it came to noise and animals. I know they have a book devoted to dogs but I would have liked to see even a snippet covered since dogs can be quite an issue in turning good neighbors into a war. Other that this it is a clear and concise book including references on the aspect of boundaries and trees.

[Eric · Rating 2 out of 5]

For adults who are just starting home ownership, or about to move into their first neighborhood, this is a good book to introduce you to the legal aspects of being a neighbor. While some of the book looks at dealing with issues, it also talks about resolution and responsibility.

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gave me the specific information I was looking for when I needed it.