Neighbor Law - 12th Edition by Editors Of Nolo (Paperback)

About the Book

You might be sharing a boundary with your neighbors for years, and sources of disputes are common even if you're both well-intentioned (though some neighbors are not). This book will tell you when the law is on your side and how to deal with neighbors constructively, without creating enemies. Neighbor Law is the most thorough resource available on how to live happily in your community.

Book Synopsis

Resolve neighbor conflicts and get peace of mind

Don't let a neighborly nuisance turn into a nasty lawsuit. Learn your rights and responsibilities with Neighbor Law, the plain-English guide to the laws behind common neighbor disputes.

Neighbor Law is more than a legal guide--it's a practical book filled with tips on how to solve problems and restore good neighbor relations. Find out how to handle:

• noisy neighbors


• trees that hang over a property line


• blocked views


• unclear boundary lines


• high, unsightly, or deteriorating fences


• dangers to children ("attractive nuisances")


• problems with neighboring businesses


• drones trespassing onto your property


• animal issues.

The 12th edition includes updated laws on boundary fences, private nuisances, and secondhand smoke.

Review Quotes

"​This NOLO law guide for general readers uses plain language and examples to explain the law on neighborhood relations and provides sample forms. There is much information on problems related to trees: injured or destroyed trees, invading branches and roots of trees, unsound limbs, boundary trees, and ownership of fruits and nuts from trees. There are two chapters on fences and two chapters on boundary lines, trespass, and easements. Other topics are noise, dangers to children and attractive nuisances, rural neighbors and the right to farm, water damage, water rights, home-based businesses, and other neighborhood businesses. One chapter briefly deals with other issues such as blighted property, drug dealers, registered sex offenders, drones, animals, and outdoor lights. The final chapters give advice on researching local laws, state statutes, and case law, and outline the processes of mediation and small claims court. Appendices present 20 pages of state statutes. This ninth edition is updated to give information on current law. The publisher's web site offers legal forms and podcasts." Eithne O'Leyne, Editor Ringgold, Inc. ProtoView

"A Nolo book that gives practical, no-nonsense approaches to handling neighbor disputes." Los Angeles Times

"This classic book, which keeps getting better with each new edition, answers virtually all questions...." Orlando Sentinel

"An extremely well-researched, well-written and well-organized book...." The Detroit News

"It's said that 'good fences make good neighbors'. Now in a newly updated and expanded ninth edition, "Neighbor Law: Fences, Trees, Boundaries & Noise" by attorneys Emily Doskow and Lina Guillen will help the non-specialist general reader to avoid neighborly nuisances from turning into a hostile and expensive lawsuits. More than just an ordinary legal guide, "Neighbor Law" is a practical, jargon free instructional guide filled from cover to cover with practical tips on how to solve problems and restore good neighbor relations. The topics covered include: noisy neighbors; trees that hang over a property line; blocked views; unclear boundary lines; high, unsightly, or deteriorating fences; dangers to children ("attractive nuisances"); problems with neighboring businesses; drones trespassing onto your property; and many other common issues ranging from secondhand smoke, to blighted property, to animal issues, and more! Of special note is the information related to updated laws and information on mediation, going to court, boundary fences, private nuisances, etc. " James A. Cox, The Midwest Book Review

Author comments:
Everyone has neighbors--even those of us that live in the countryside on several acres of land. When something like loud music from the apartment next door, or free-range livestock from a neighboring farm, interferes with the use and enjoyment of our property, it may be time to take action. With a neighbor dispute, it's essential that you determine whether the law is on your side and find the right way to approach your neighbor.

In plain English, Neighbor Law shows you how to find the laws that apply to your situation and how to resolve a neighbor dispute without going to court or creating enemies. If you end up with an unreasonable neighbor, and you have no choice but to go to court, Neighbor Law will help show you how to prepare for that process as well.