When Complaints Don’t Stop: Who’s at Fault?
FAO: Glasgow Landlords: Is it Tenant Trouble or Neighbour Noise?
Few things unsettle landlords more than a steady stream of complaints from a neighbour about a tenant.
These can be around things like noise, inconsiderate parking, and rubbish. Or the catch-all ‘Anti-social behaviour.”
When the same issues are raised repeatedly, it’s tempting to assume the tenant must be at fault.
But in practice, the situation can often be far more nuanced.
Sometimes, the tenant isn’t the problem at all.
The first mistake landlords make is reacting emotionally or too quickly. Complaints feel urgent, especially when neighbours are persistent or upset, or it’s an out-of-office-hours call/email. But before taking any action, it’s important to step back and look for patterns rather than at personalities.
Start by examining the details of the complaint.
Specific concerns with dates, times, and examples carry far more weight than vague statements like “they’re always noisy” or “they’re a nuisance.” Genuine issues tend to come with clarity. Ongoing complaints without evidence should prompt scrutiny, not immediate blame.
Context matters too.
Has the same neighbour raised similar issues with previous tenants? If so, that’s an important red flag. A history of complaints against multiple occupiers often points towards a difficult neighbour rather than a problematic tenant. This is especially common in blocks of flats or closely packed streets where tolerance levels vary wildly.
Next, speak to the tenant early and calmly.
A neutral conversation is often very revealing. Good tenants are usually surprised by complaints and keen to resolve matters. They’ll engage, explain routines, and make reasonable adjustments where needed. Defensive or evasive responses don’t automatically mean guilt, but they do help paint a clearer picture.
Evidence should always beat opinion.
Encouraging neighbours to keep a simple log of incidents can quickly separate genuine concerns from exaggerated perceptions. Likewise, landlords should keep records of conversations, emails, and actions taken. This protects everyone if matters escalate later.
One of the biggest risks is overreacting.
Issuing warnings or threatening tenancy action too early can damage trust and push otherwise good tenants to leave. On the flip side, ignoring legitimate neighbour concerns can allow small issues to snowball into formal complaints, environmental health involvement, or legal disputes.
This is where experienced letting agents play a crucial role.
A good agent acts as a professional buffer – they’ll be contacted, so you don’t have to be. They investigate fairly, communicate clearly, and remove emotion from the process. They know when to de-escalate, when to step in, and when a complaint genuinely requires formal action.
Handled well, many neighbour disputes quietly fade away.
Handled badly, they can become expensive, time-consuming, and stressful for everyone involved.
The key is balance: listening without assuming, gathering evidence, and responding calmly and professionally. Not every complaint means a bad tenant – and not every tenant deserves to be defended at all costs.
Getting that judgment right is what protects good tenants, reassures neighbours, and safeguards your investment.
If you’re dealing with neighbour complaints and want calm, experienced guidance, speak to us.
We put fairness, professionalism, and clear judgment first.
Scottish Property Centre have branches in Dunoon, Cardonald and Shawlands covering the Argyll and Glasgow property markets. We have local experts serving local people.
Did you know we now do factoring? If you are interested in changing factors and would like to speak to our team at 7days.property get in touch with us now.
