Legal Assistance for Nuisance Caused by Neighbors

Questioner

I've been living in a rental for two years now. I have Syrian neighbors with five parrots, which I really didn't know when I moved in. The apartment is very noisy, so the birds bother me a lot. So sitting on the balcony is out of the question. They also make a lot of noise by talking loudly and slamming doors. Communication is difficult because she doesn't speak Dutch, except for her 13-year-old son. Due to their negligence and failure to act on defects, they've now caused water leakage in my home. I spent a lot of money and effort having everything repaired two years ago, and I can now have everything completely redone. Because of them, I'm in deep trouble. I've been trying to get them on the right track for a year. Their arrogant attitude is the only reason they refuse any help. They have no regard for other neighbors. They just live their own lives and don't care about anything. Hygiene is also a major concern there. They've been confronted several times by neighbors and the housing association. I reported this incident to the housing association six months ago, and I've since reported it to several social workers, including the local police officer. They say they're building a case. It's a difficult case, but it's just getting worse here, and I'm devastated. My GP has since given me medication to help me sleep better and do my job properly. Building a case, and this situation, is taking far too long. And my health is at risk. Moving myself isn't an option. I'm at the bottom of the rental housing list. And I won't be able to afford to buy or rent privately. Does it make sense to take this situation to court? And demand that she get rid of some parrots to reduce noise pollution? And force her to change her behavior and adhere to the norms and values? I'm at my wits' end.

Questioner

Initiating legal proceedings could indeed be a next step if all possible attempts have already been made to resolve the problem amicably. You could consider seeking an injunction, subject to a penalty (in summary proceedings). Legal proceedings are also sometimes filed against housing associations in these types of cases (in which case, they demand that the housing association terminate the lease with the nuisance-causing parties). You may be able to receive legal assistance. Feel free to contact us without obligation if you wish.