When you purchase a home, one of the first things you hope for are good neighbors. You know… The neighbors you can count on to grab your child off of the bus when you are running late. Or a neighbor who is happy to give you a cup of sugar when you discover you’re out in the middle of making cookies for the class party the next day. After all, the last thing you want once you have moved in the last of your furniture is to discover you have neighbors who are anything but nice. However, we all can’t have the best neighbors in the world. And while it would be nice to meet in the middle and at least get along, there are common neighborly issues in New Hampshire that you may encounter more than you would like.
Common Neighborly Legal Issues in New Hampshire
Trespassing
At some point in time, we have probably all trespassed. Although, many of us didn’t realize we were doing it. But when we are talking neighbors, you may find that you have that one neighbor who is always crossing the line to your property. One would hope that talking to your neighbor while pointing out the property boundaries would help this neighbor stop committing this crime.
However, if pointing out the obvious does not cease the trespassing, it is good to know you have the law on your side. In the state of New Hampshire, you are allowed to report any trespassers to the police. And since New Hampshire law states that an individual is trespassing if they enter a property they know they shouldn’t be in, the police can press charges.
Destruction of Property
Destruction of property is another main legal issue between neighbors in New Hampshire. You might think that spray painting your garage or breaking a window on purpose are the main ways to destroy your property. However, there are many other scenarios that can result in the destruction of your property.
If one of your neighbors starts to remove the tree in your backyard, because the leaves all fall into their yard, it is considered destruction of property. The same is true for putting up or removing fences or cutting flowers from your garden.
Being a Nuisance
Hopefully, you don’t have a nosy neighbor or one who is loud at all hours of the day and night. But if you do, then you have a nuisance neighbor.
As a property owner in New Hampshire, you legally have the right to enjoy your home and property in peace. And so do your neighbors. But problems arise when one neighbor is enjoying their home in a way that is disruptive to all of the other neighbors.
According to New Hampshire law, private nuisance scenarios include unreasonable noise, unreasonable use of property, and unbearable odors. Since neighborhoods are all different, each nuisance scenario is considered separately from all others. Some houses may be further from others, so noise levels contributing to nuisance may need to be higher than those in neighborhoods where homes are closer together.
As annoying as some neighbors may be, it is imperative you protect your rights as a homeowner. If you are currently experiencing any of these legal issues with a neighbor, contact the office today.