A woman is claiming her neighbour has made living in her home 'hell' because of their DIY project and the impact it has had on her own property – and she's now considering legal action13:09, 06 Aug 2026Updated 13:09, 06 Aug 2026Living next to noisy neighbours is one thing, but it's an entirely different problem when their actions affect your property. Neighbours can cause lots of problems for people trying to live peacefully in their homes, with disputes ranging from early morning noise complaints to roadside parking rows.‌But one woman on social media has said she no longer knows what to do about her neighbours, alleging that their recent DIY project has completely ruined her property. Katie shared a video in which she said her neighbours were building what appeared to be an extension to their property, and, in doing so, they were blocking six of her windows.‌In a short TikTok clip that has since racked up almost 3 million views, Katie filmed the view from one of her windows, which was now just a few centimetres away from a brick wall her neighbours had built.‌The top of the window was open in the clip and was hanging over the edge of the wall, meaning that if it got any taller, she would be unable to even open her window - let alone see anything out of it.She wrote on her video: "Goodbye light." And in the caption, she added: "Neighbours blocked up six of our windows ... DIY hell."Content cannot be displayed without consent‌Commenters told Katie that the build could be "illegal" if the neighbours didn't secure planning permission, as it is usually considered to be against the law to build extensions that block light from neighbouring properties.The "right to light" is a legal easement that grants a property owner the right to receive natural light through openings such as windows. However, it only applies if the building has enjoyed uninterrupted light for 20 years, and once the right has been established, neighbours cannot block that light without facing legal claims, even if they have standard planning permission.Katie later posted asking for further advice on the right to light, as she is now considering legal action against her neighbour.‌In a follow-up video, she asked: "We actually asked for this [right to light] for months, and they kept saying 'We're looking into it'. Now they've actually finished their build, so I don't know what we can do. I would love any advice."Commenters then encouraged Katie to go to her local council and file a complaint, which could result in her getting compensation, the neighbours being forced to take down their build, or both.One person said: "Right to light is common law, you have to go through court and see if you can win compensation or removal or both. nothing to do with permission they got to build."‌Another added: "Lodge an application with the council, they can investigate if there is any fault, and then they will either fine them or make them take it down."A third wrote: "There's conflicting advice online, and without seeing the two properties from the outside, it's hard to tell, but it feels like you should have at least been consulted so you had the right to object to the build."What to do if your neighbour infringes on your right to lightLegal advice on the right to light can be tricky, but you must first determine whether you have a right to light. According to Daylight Protect, if your window has received uninterrupted daylight for at least 20 years, you may have acquired a right under the Prescription Act 1832. You may also have rights granted in deeds or implied in certain circumstances.‌Your next step should be to get a right-to-light survey. A specialist surveyor can measure whether the new building leaves your rooms too dark for ordinary use, and if the survey finds interference, you may have a legal claim.Finally, you should take legal action. Daylight Protect states that "surveys and letters prove interference, but only litigation forces your neighbour or the developer to negotiate".There are a few things you cannot do, however. They include:Article continues belowRely on planning permission – planning rules don't override private rights of light. A neighbour can still infringe your rights even if the council approved their scheme.Demand a view or direct sunlight – the law protects sufficient daylight for ordinary use, not a right to sunshine or a view.Expect results without risk – unless you're prepared to litigate, developers have no incentive to pay you anything.For more information, visit the Daylight Protect website.