Usually we can't choose our neighbours but it's in our best interests of course, to get along. Sometimes issues arise however, so we've gathered together transactions and links that you may find helpful.
Disputes
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
Alternative dispute resolution offers processes other than having a decision made by a judge or magistrate in court.
Having a bad relationship or dispute with a neighbour can make life very stressful. No one wants to feel uncomfortable or unsafe in their own home. You can find out more about issues regarding:
Lodge a residential tenancy complaint with NSW Fair Trading
NSW Fair Trading provides a free complaint service for tenants, residents, landlords and agents with real estate and property related matters or disputes.
Lodge a retirement village complaint with NSW Fair Trading
NSW Fair Trading offers free and informal onsite negotiation with a neutral and qualified mediator to help parties reach a beneficial settlement.
Find information on how to resolve disputes among owners, tenants and owner's corporations in strata-titled property or community schemes.
Backyards
Check the 10/50 vegetation clearing entitlement area
The 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Scheme provides an additional way for NSW residents who live near bushland, to better prepare their homes for potential bushfires. The NSW Rural Fire Service provides an online tool so you can check whether you live in a 10/50 vegetation clearing entitlement area.
Fences – your rights and obligations
Understand your rights and obligations with dividing boundary fences between neighbours.
All swimming pools in NSW must be registered on the NSW Swimming Pool Register.
Removing trees on your property
The rules regarding tree removal differ from council to council, but tree preservation orders and local environment plans guide many of the decisions made.
Find out how to work through tree and hedge disputes between you and your neighbours.
Local roads
If you see a damaged, confusing or missing road sign, you can report it online.
Report a pothole or damaged road
Use this form to report road damage in your area to Transport for NSW.
Report a traffic breakdown or other incident
Reporting traffic incidents help you and your fellow road users get moving again, sooner.
Neighbourhood watch
1800RESPECT counselling service
A 24 hour telephone and online counselling and support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, and abuse.
Access the NSW Police Force Community Portal
The NSW Police Force Community Portal is a reporting channel for the community if the issue is not an emergency and immediate investigation by a Police officer is not necessary.
Find out about unattended property laws
Public spaces such as footpaths, streets and parks should be safe and accessible for everyone. Find out about property left in public spaces.
Lodge feedback about speed limits and speed signs in NSW
The Centre for Road Safety uses feedback submitted by the public, along with crash data and other road safety engineering information, to prioritise the roads that need a speed zone review.
Report graffiti to the NSW Graffiti Hotline
Help clean up your local community by reporting graffiti and fast track its removal.
Report identity theft, scams or cybercrime
If you've been scammed, think someone is trying to scam you, or have been the victim of a cybercrime, you can make a report online.
Stealing fish and black marketing, as well as damage to fish habitats are serious problems and can impact on the sustainability of our fish stocks across NSW.
Report an incident to Crime Stoppers
You can report information about crime and criminal activity.
Report intentional damage or graffiti
The NSW Police Force Community Portal provides the facility to not only create a Police report online, but to track your report and receive electronic status updates.
The Neighbourhood Watch program is one of a range of crime prevention and community safety strategies currently in use within NSW.
Pets
Dogs and cats can become nuisances for reasons including boredom, separation anxiety and fear. If your neighbour's dog or cat is bothering you, the first step is to talk with the neighbour. They may be unaware of the problem.
The NSW Pet Registry allows you to update your contact details, report your pet missing, change the ownership of pets, and pay the lifetime registration fee.
An owner's corporation cannot stop you from owning a pet in a strata-titled property, but there may be rules you need to know about, and what to do if there's a problem.
Pollution
Report an abandoned or dumped vehicle
It's an offence to abandon a vehicle. The local council has powers to impound or destroy the vehicle if the registered operator cannot be found or doesn't comply with the instructions of the impounding officer.
Report or inquire about noise pollution
Noise pollution can come from many sources including industry, transport, construction, sporting and entertainment venues, and neighbours. If you want to report or inquire about noise pollution, contact the organisation responsible for its regulation.
Report littering from a vehicle
If you see someone littering from their vehicle, you can report them to the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
Report or inquire about noise pollution
You can report issues with noise pollution that is at a sound level that is annoying, distracting or physically harmful.
Report a pest or disease, or other biosecurity concern
You can help to protect NSW from biosecurity concerns by reporting unusual pests and diseases to the Department of Primary Industries.
Report smoking in an indoor smoke-free zone
Smoking and using e-cigarettes are banned in all enclosed public areas including shopping centres, cinemas, libraries, trains and buses.
Report smoking at an outdoor smoke-free zone
The bans on smoking and using e-cigarettes in outdoor public areas have been made to reduce other people's exposure to second-hand smoke, and create a more supportive environment for those who have quit.
You must observe a vehicle emitting smoke for more than 10 seconds continuously to make a report.