Talk to your neighbour first
Have a friendly chat with your neighbour about the problem. Most problems can be sorted after having a conversation. You can cut back plants that grow into your garden, but only up to the edge (the boundary line). You cannot go into your neighbour’s garden without their permission - not even to pick up rubbish or cut plants.
If the garden can be seen from the street
Messy gardens that block the road or attract pests like rats can be reported to the safe, clean and tidy team,
- email: safecleantidy@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
- call 023 9284 1105
If the garden cannot be seen from the street
If the garden is at the back and attracting pests, you can report it to the private sector housing team:
- email: psh@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
- call 023 9268 8369
What to do next
After trying these steps, you can take your own legal action if the problem continues. This is called dealing with a private nuisance.