Please give me some tools to deal with my malicious neighbours

[TibetanTerrah]

I have an issue with the shop below me. They have a reputation for being intimidating and aggressive, both on Google and with my own letting agent personally. I had a leak a few weeks ago, a minor one, and when I went out for an appointment ì couldn't change, when I came back 2 hours later they had lied to police to get them to come out and force the door. Its cost a lot (for my landlord) and caused me no end of disruption.

Now it seems they hate me, as they're starting some weird smear campaign on me. They've sent cctv footage of a random woman having a go at them (because they're awful), but it wasn't anything related to me, they've just taken the opportunity to say oh this happened, let's make tibetan's life a misery as there's no sound.

Very,very luckily, my letting agent as I said is on my side, we have a good relationship and she has also felt threatened by them, but I really hope this doesn't continue or escalate.

My stress is coming from I've had to move out for a week so my bathroom can be redone, but I feel sick about going back as I have to pick up some things i forgot and quite often they loiter outside. I really, really don't want drama or confrontation with this lot and they've already shown themselves to be malicious.

I'm trying to tread carefully, how would you handle this? I don't want to show "fear" to bullies but equally don't want to escalate by saying anything confrontational as they'll get straight back to the agent.

Have you got a big chunky male friend or relative who could come with you or a lively confident female friend who will keep you busy with conversation as you walk past them?

General rule would be - ignore them, stay very calm and factual if they ever try to play stupid games. Never try to ingratiate yourself with them or act in a hostile way. Look up Grey Rock technique.

We called the firebrigade when water was coming through our ceiling, next to the fusebox, and couldnt get a response from the upstairs flat. Are you sure it was a malicious callout? Our flat would have been destroyed if we'd waited for them to come home, and there wasn't any hint of it before.

I'm not sure I understand the video comment. How does someone else being filmed impact you?

I'd go, pick up your stuff, either say good morning, or ignore the neighbour's. Hope it's not as bad as you are fearing.

My mum is coming with me and she's the most docile person ever so won't kick off on my behalf. I'm just so stressed by it all my stomach will be in knots as we pull up

They told them the woman on the cctv was having a go at them about me, but I've never met this woman before.

I also called 101 and got all the details of the call they made and they absolutely lied. The policeman I spoke to in person told me there was a threat to life, 101 elaborated and said they reported a male voice shouting. I live alone and was out so this didn't happen.

Take someone with you and I'd have my phone in my pocket or hand surreptitiously recording so you have evidence of any intimidation/threats/comments. Don't respond or react other than to say hello or good morning. Walk straight past.
I wouldn't say the calling about a leak was necessarily to cause an issue with you -it was damaging their property and they could clearly see water coming in or they wouldn't know to report it. They must have shown the police for the police to deem it necessary to access the flat.

Do you know what people like this hate? Not getting a rise. They do it for the drama. So, you just carry on, as if they don't exist.

You know you've done nothing wrong, so behave like it. Maybe have your phone in your pocket, ready to record what they say, like you're recording a WhatsApp voice chat. Just have it on in your pocket.

This is wise advice and recording is a good idea. I already did when going into town and I had to walk past them. Nothing happened but it was good to have on me and worth doing again.

Can you go early in the morning before the shop opens or after closing time?

They are less likely to be there hanging around so you can hopefully avoid any contact with them.

I would be moving out. Full stop.
Your landlord knows all about them, and that is why he is 'on your side' and being supportive. He doesn't want you to leave.

I would leave, and live with my mother and not return. Collect your things, don't say anything to them beyond a greeting and make it snappy. Good luck op stay safe

Whilst I appreciate this sort of "snap" conclusion its not viable for me. I'm in a contract that keeps me until April and my relationship with my mum is only viable if we don't live together.

I'm not sure if you've ever dealt with bullies, and then have them threaten your home, but I just wanted a bit of help dealing with that side as I obviously cant control them.

As PP said, don't acknowledge them at all unless they're in your way etc then calmly ask them to please move. I would even consider getting a body worn camera (on center chest) if you can find one cheap enough. It doesn't have to be great quality but you can always turn it on when you see them rather than having it on all the time. It's legal to record in public spaces without people's consent so would cover that space between car and flat entrance. It might also deter them from saying anything at all if the camera is visible. Alternatively it might inflame the situation so I would obviously use your judgement if this would be a safe approach.

It's sounds like the people that matter are on your side but I would still cover your own back by making a record of any incidents. I'm not sure if you could log this with non-emergency police if there's already a log but it might be worth looking in to.

Do you have any other neighbours or are you the only flat above the shop?

If you're on your own going in and out then use wired headphones so they're visible and you clearly can't therefore hear a word they may say to you.