Neighbour’s Kids Keep Playing On My Property – What Can I Do As A Tenant?

Children playing outside is a normal part of neighbourhood life, but it can become a real problem when neighbour’s kids regularly use your driveway or garden as a playground. That can mean damage to plants, concerns about vehicle safety, loss of privacy, or simply feeling uncomfortable in your own home. As a tenant, you also have to consider your tenancy agreement and the responsibilities of your landlord. This guide explains practical steps, what the law says, and where to get support if things don’t improve.

Start By Talking Calmly With Parents

The first step, before contacting councils or landlords, is usually to speak with the parents. Most families simply don’t realise their children are crossing boundaries, and a polite conversation is often enough. Ideally, choose a calm moment and explain the issue clearly, such as damage to plants, safety around vehicles or times when you need quiet. Staying polite helps prevent a small issue from becoming a bigger neighbour dispute.

If you rarely see the parents, leaving a friendly note through their door can be just as effective. A short message saying that you’re concerned about safety or damage to your plants is usually enough to make them aware. Many people will be embarrassed and cooperative once it’s pointed out.

Record What Is Happening If It Becomes Persistent

If nothing changes, start keeping a simple record. Note the dates and times when children enter your garden or driveway and what happened. If there’s any damage, take photographs. This is important because if you need to involve your landlord or the local council, they will likely ask for evidence and details of previous attempts to resolve the issue informally.

Let Your Landlord Or Housing Manager Know

Tenants often forget that their landlord actually has a role in these situations. If you rent, tell your landlord or managing agent what is happening. Landlords and housing associations are expected to help address antisocial behaviour linked to neighbouring tenants. Even if the children live at another rented property, it may help your landlord speak with their landlord, or at least log that you’re having an ongoing problem.

Do check your tenancy agreement before installing fences, gates or other deterrents, because some agreements require permission for even small changes.

Use Mediation And Support Services

If polite conversations haven’t solved the problem, mediation can be a very effective next step. Many local councils provide low-cost or free neighbour mediation services, helping both sides reach an agreement without entering a legal dispute. Mediation is especially helpful where tensions are rising and communication has become difficult.

The mediation steps suggested on the GOV.UK page about resolving neighbour disputes are a good starting point.

You can also check the Citizens Advice guidance about complaining about your neighbour which sets out practical advice and escalation routes for tenants.

When Does The Law Apply

If neighbouring children repeatedly come onto your land without permission, this may technically be trespass. However, trespass in England and Wales is generally a civil matter rather than a criminal one, so the police won’t normally get involved. The usual remedies are civil claims or injunctions, but these are normally only used for serious or persistent situations, so most tenants rely on mediation, landlord involvement or council intervention first.

If the behaviour causes harassment, alarm or distress and continues after you’ve asked it to stop, it might fall under antisocial behaviour. Under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, councils and police have powers to act against persistent nuisance conduct, including Community Protection Notices.

There is also the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, which deals with repeated behaviour that is clearly intended to cause distress. Most situations involving children playing won’t reach this threshold, but it is important to know the protection exists if behaviour escalates beyond ordinary play.

You can read the law directly using the UK Government legislation pages for the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

If Things Get Serious

If there is deliberate damage, threats, or a clear safety issue, contact the police using 101 (or 999 in emergencies). For persistent nuisance, your local authority’s antisocial behaviour team can investigate and take action. Keep copies of any letters, notes and photographs, because evidence will be essential if authorities intervene.

Practical Ways To Prevent Access

Polite notices such as “Private Property – Please Keep Off” are often surprisingly effective. Some tenants also use planters, low fencing or decorative boundaries to indicate a private space. This should be done only with landlord permission, but even visual boundaries make it clear that the property is not communal space.

For more information on neighbour nuisance in a housing context, the charity Shelter England offers guidance via its pages on neighbour nuisance and disputes.