What do you do when your neighbors have a very bright security light that shines in your windows and backyard?

Answer

Would they be willing to change it to a "motion detector" so that its not always shining?

Neighbor's Bright Lights

First, you have to ask them to remove it before you can do anything legal wise. If not for the law, then just to be "neighborly" as you said. Just because they haven't seemed friendly doesn't mean they won't move the light if you explain nicley in basics what is bothering you. They may just be the keep the themselves type of people. Or shy and waiting for someone to approach them.

Just say something like you were wondering if they could turn their light in a different direction or get a dimmer one. It's really bright and shines into your bedroom at night. Then go from there. If they say no, just walk away and call your city council.

If the say yes, no problem. Thank them and leave.

But if after they say they'll move it give them a week. If it's still not moved, go over and ask them again. Apologize for being such a "pest" (even though you aren't) and ask them when they are going to fix the light.

If a second time doesn't work, then talk to your city council. If they can't help you, they may know someone who can.

Here is more advice from WikiAnswers Contributors:

• Ask them if they would please put a "shield" on your side of the light, usually available from the manufacturer. You might offer to share the cost.

• If the first few suggestions don't help, you could refer to your city ordinance and Bylaws which will tell you if such is allowed or if disturbing light issues can be addressed. A local bylaw officer can help and you should document all contact such as your previous attempts to have the issue resolved. In the end you may have to resort to getting the latter involved in which case they will be required to make the alterations or removal and relocation to a more appropriate location.

• If all else fails, try getting darker curtains that shield light. I used to work night shift and sleep during the day. The house we lived in at the time had our bedroom windows facing the sun, and we obviously couldn't reposition or turn it off so we had to make our own adjustments.

• I do agree with the first answer to try to be neighborly about it. They may not know the problems the light is causing. I don't know what kind of ordinances or bylaws your community may have but they may agree with your neighbor. Good luck.

• At very least if nothing works then get new neighbors or move.

• First Id suggest to talk to your neighbors and ask them to please take it down, or change it to a motion detector light. If it still bugs you, or if your neighbors wont take it down, you could cut a deal with them: they can leave their light up as long as they buy you some nice protective shades on those windows. Good luck!

• I doubt your neighbor is aware of it and communication is everything. I have a sensor light in the back as well, but I have to to check it every so often as squirrel, crows or even the wind can change the position of it. If my light was bothering anyone I would certainly prefer they talk to me about it and I would be most willing to accomodate my neighbor. Don't start a battle before communicating with your neighbor. Adjust the bracket so the light is shining more on the ground.

First answer by anonymous. Last edit by Tee dee. Contributor trust: 3 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 178 [recommend question]

Can you answer other questions about home, farm and garden?