Legal Eagle Q & A: Can your neighbours legally dampen your Christmas spirit?

December 3, 2018 by Melinda @ Giles Wilson Solicitors

Question: Help! We have put our Christmas lights up and they look gorgeous! The only problem is that the neighbours over the road have complained because they say that the flashing lights are too annoying and affect their front room!  I don’t know why they can’t just close their curtains! Do I have to turn them off? They say they are going to sue us!!

Answer: Oh dear, does not sound like a lot of Christmas cheer coming your way!  I am afraid that your flashing lights could be considered a nuisance, although to be honest it would be quite difficult to take this to court quickly.  However, I would seriously advise that you take the lead in spreading the Christmas Joy in your neighbourhood, and maybe dim them, stop the flashing and turn them off before it is too late in the evening?