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).