Legal Definitions - neighbor

In a legal context, the term neighbor refers to:

• A person, property, or entity situated in close proximity to another. This typically applies to individuals residing in adjacent dwellings or properties, but can also encompass businesses, land parcels, or even governmental jurisdictions that share a common boundary or are located very near each other, especially when their activities or presence affect one another.

Here are some examples illustrating the application of "neighbor":

• Example 1: Residential Nuisance Claim
  Mr. Davies regularly operates a noisy woodworking shop in his garage late into the evening, causing significant disturbance to Mrs. Chen, who lives in the house directly adjacent to his property. Mrs. Chen is considered Mr. Davies's neighbor because their homes are next to each other, and she is directly impacted by the noise. This situation could lead to Mrs. Chen pursuing legal action against Mr. Davies under local noise ordinances or common law nuisance principles.

• Example 2: Commercial Property Easement
  A large shopping mall is planning an expansion that requires access across a small, privately owned parking lot that borders its property. The owner of the parking lot is the shopping mall's neighbor because their properties share a common boundary. The mall might need to negotiate an easement or right-of-way with the parking lot owner to legally use a portion of their land for construction access, highlighting their relationship as adjacent property owners.