Practical legal guides for England and Wales

Is your neighbour feeding birds and attracting rats? This guide explains when the council may intervene, the evidence you will need and the practical and legal options available in England and Wales.

There is no universal minimum distance that every extension or outbuilding must maintain from a neighbour’s boundary. This guide explains the planning, Party Wall and property-law rules that may apply.

Can you run an electric-car charging cable across the pavement outside your home? This guide explains the law on loose cables, cable covers, charging gullies, council permission, neighbour complaints and parking.

Who owns a retaining wall between neighbouring properties, and who must pay if it leans or collapses? This guide explains deeds, ground levels, support rights, repairs, insurance and disputes.

A neighbour’s security light can disturb sleep and make rooms difficult to use. This guide explains when artificial light becomes a legal nuisance, how councils investigate and what you can do.

A new balcony or roof terrace can create significant overlooking of a neighbouring garden. This guide explains when planning permission is required, when loss of privacy can justify an objection and what you can do if the balcony has already been built.