You open the curtains one morning only to be greeted by the sight of your next door neighbour sunbathing in his garden, on his back and completely naked. Later on you’re in the garden with the kids and you glance next door again. Sure enough, there he is in plain view of you, your children, and anyone else who passes.

A lot of people are troubled by nudist neighbours but is there really anything that can be done about it? After all, if they’re on their own private property they can surely do what they want. But is that true when it effects other members of the public?

This is in fact a rather grey area legally as it is not against the law to simply be naked in public. However, if there is an obvious intent to offend, such as exposing yourself to strangers for your own enjoyment, that can be stopped. Despite there being no official law, if a police officer is informed they will often intervene and ask the person to cover themselves up. Nudity in public is potentially allowed as long as no one present has a problem with it.

However, on private property this is a different matter, and a property solicitor will be able to give you advice. Again, the police can be notified and if they think your neighbour is purposefully offending you or committing any indecent acts, they will be asked to stop. A harmless spot of nude sunbathing on the other hand will more often than not be dismissed as harmless and you will simply be the kind of interfering neighbour the rest of the community hates, and who wants that?

If all else fails, you could simply talk to them politely and try to come up with a compromise, such as agreeing on times that benefit you both. In fact, maybe this shouldn’t be your last resort.

If you are having trouble with the neighbours, conveyancing solicitors can help you and you may even be able to find advice from online conveyancing.

Tags: anti-social behaviour, housing