Advice
Basic initial advice to help you understand the issue and consider your next steps.
What are neighbourhood disputes?
Neighbour disputes may concern noise, pets, fencing or unwanted behaviour. Some involve council rules or dispute resolution; others raise legal or personal safety issues. The right next step depends on the problem and whether direct communication is safe.
Fencing disputes
Victorian fencing rules cover matters such as repairs, replacement and contributions between neighbouring owners. Responsibility and costs depend on the circumstances. Before arranging work, check the agreement and notice requirements in the Victorian Government’s fencing guidance. We can provide basic information or referral; we do not handle property or boundary litigation.
Personal safety intervention orders
A personal safety intervention order may be relevant to stalking, harassment, threats or violence by someone who is not a family member, such as a neighbour. Legal requirements apply; an ordinary disagreement does not automatically justify an order.
Read more about personal safety intervention orders and how we may help.
Family violence intervention orders
A family violence intervention order concerns violence by a family member, including a current or former partner. The relationship and circumstances determine which type of order is relevant. See our family violence and intervention order information. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 000.
Questions we can discuss
- Noise, pets and suitable council complaint pathways.
- Basic fencing information and where to obtain further advice.
- Understanding letters, notices or intervention order documents.
- Safety concerns and suitable legal or support referrals.
How we may help
- Basic initial advice about the issue and possible next steps.
- Information about complaint and dispute resolution options.
- Referral for specialist fencing, property or intervention order assistance when needed.
What level of assistance can we offer?
We assess each matter individually, taking account of its suitability and our available resources. An enquiry or appointment does not guarantee ongoing assistance or representation.
Referral
Information about another legal or support service when specialist help is needed or we cannot assist.
Further assistance
A specific legal task or ongoing casework may be available, decided case by case and subject to resources.
What we do not do
- Commercial or business matters.
- Conveyancing, real-estate transactions and property ownership disputes.
- Personal injury claims and WorkCover.
We do not handle property ownership, boundary, conveyancing or building disputes. Fencing information does not extend to property litigation. Court representation is not automatically available.
Prepare for your appointment
- Bring relevant notices, letters and existing orders.
- Bring dated records of incidents and any council or mediation correspondence.
- Tell us about threats, violence, a hearing or an urgent deadline.
Talk to us
Contact Southport Community Legal Service to discuss an appointment.
Call 03 9646 6066, 0490 934 661 or 0440 131 920.
Email [email protected].
Further information
- Victoria Legal Aid: disputes with neighbours
- Victorian Government: fencing in Victoria
- Victoria Legal Aid: personal safety intervention orders
- Victoria Legal Aid: family violence intervention orders
This page provides general information. Ask for advice about your own circumstances. Information reviewed September 2026.