Neighbours from hell - About time

Anyone unfortunate enough to find themselves living next to disruptive, noisy, or aggressive neighbours — or their out-of-control animals — will welcome legislation designed to make it easier to have anti-social tenants removed.

The legislation, long overdue, would be even more welcome if it could more easily facilitate action against homeowners who abuse the norms we all depend on if we are to live in harmony with our neighbours.

The legislation follows a recent case in which a landlord had to pay residents €30,000 in compensation for renting his property to disruptive tenants. There is no reason anyone should allow their quality of life be destroyed by the behaviour of ignorant, disruptive neighbours, a fact recognised by this legislation.