Private nuisance
Private nuisance is an unlawful, substantial and unreasonable interference with a person's use or enjoyment of their land, or of some right over it. Because it protects interests in land, the claimant must usually have a proprietary interest.
Last reviewed 14 June 2026
Whether an interference is unreasonable is judged by balancing factors — the character of the locality, the duration and frequency, any abnormal sensitivity of the claimant, malice, and the defendant's conduct (Sturges v Bridgman; Coventry v Lawrence).
It is distinct from the rule in Rylands v Fletcher (the escape of a dangerous thing) and from public nuisance (which affects a class of the public). Remedies are damages and an injunction; a limited self-help remedy of abatement also exists.
Key cases
- Hunter v Canary Wharf Ltd [1997] AC 655
- Sturges v Bridgman (1879) 11 Ch D 852
- Coventry v Lawrence [2014] UKSC 13
Frequently asked questions
What is private nuisance?
An unlawful, substantial and unreasonable interference with someone's use or enjoyment of their land (Hunter v Canary Wharf).
Who can sue in private nuisance?
Generally only a person with a proprietary interest in the affected land (Hunter v Canary Wharf).
Related doctrines
Revising tort law for an exam?
Get structured revision notes and timed SQE1 practice that build on Private nuisance.
Revising law for an exam?
Get the free “50 Must-Know Cases for UK Law Exams” guide — grouped by module with the ratio for each, sent to your inbox.