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harassment by nasty neighbours - question

ilovetoread73_
Community Member

Hello,

I live in an apartment block. I have one unit who has problematic neighbours who do argue with other neighbours. However they have zoned in on me because that old conundrum when someone is not like everyone else people like to pick on those as they think they are good targets.

These particular neighbours have learned by accident I have a mental illness, but don't know which. However as their lease has ended or they already had a leased that was on a "rolling" lease, no end date. Anyway they are trying to get me to move. Our household is small and they now say they shouldn't be put out because there was an incident when I got angry over noise. It was 4.30am and what I said was not said directly to them but they are using it now that they know I am sick.

Is there a law against these people using m-illness to harass others. Right now they have music going very loud and they are banging everything. Someone told them to turn the music down.

3 Replies 3

Guest_4643
Community Member

Hi ilovetoread73!, welcome to the forums. I'm sorry to hear of your struggles and your terrible neighbours harrassing you.

I would try to advise the landlord and the Police if things get worse, saying that you're being harrassed and discriminated and made to feel unsafe in your own house/apartment and being victimised for your mental illness, which is not allowed and should never happen.

Let's hope they stop bothering you, best of luck. Take care, I hope things improve for you.

Tayla

romantic_thi3f
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hi ilovetoread73!

Thank you for your post and your question. I'm sorry to hear what's happening with your neighbours and how they are harassing you.

With your questions around the law, you do have legal rights around staying safe - particularly from abuse (mental illness or not). There are also local council laws around noise. While the noise rules are usually on your local council website, this one too can be enforced by law.

I agree too with Tayla's advice about talking to the landlord or police - it's important to reach out and get some support.

I too hope things change for you.

rt

Hi, welcome

Your local council bylaws officer has the power to enforce EPA laws as do the police, however it isn’t straight forward. Their methods if they choose to adopt them is to gain the evidence required which is problematic as it involves a decibel meter and sworn statements etc. For that reason, the police attending at the time noise is worst is preferable as they can direct the volume be lowered. Failure to keep it lowered will see other ways the police can achieve this, like failure to comply with directions.

The other alternative which is harder on you is knock on their door holding a cake and suggest it is an act of peace. Just an idea.

Unfortunately these people won’t ever be charged with calling you names or poking fun at your illness. As displayed their illness is more obvious

google

beyondblue topic do what are their mental illnesses?

or put it in search- what are their mental illnesses?

TonyWK