To think there is nothing that neighbour can do about this?

[spoonielife95]

I recently had a security light put up outside - because of the way the electrics are wired up it comes on at night and then stays on all night rather than being a motion sensor one. The housing association approved it and were the ones that actually came and fitted it after a safety inspection of the house by domestic abuse charity because I have an extremely abusive ex partner (neighbours don’t know him because I moved on my own).

My neighbour makes a comment every night it comes on, her bedroom is at the front however our houses are staggered so she would only see the light if she opened her curtains and actively looked for it or went outside for some reason - I have checked this myself.

AIBU to think that even though she might be irritated by this there is nothing she can actually do because the housing association agreed for me to have it?

I had neighbours whose security light shone right into my bedroom but also lit up half my garden. It was horrible. I could never sit out in the summer as it was so intense. They refused to change the angle of the light or dial down the intensity. They eventually moved out and it was a massive relief as they were vile neighbours in other respects.

I can’t see how having a light on all night is protecting you in any way if you are in bed asleep. Motion sensor one would do very well and you can direct it so it isn’t shining in to your neighbours bedroom.

Tbh, it would do my head in. I've worked nights before and light shining against curtains can really make it hard to sleep.

I am also a domestic violence survivor, and I understand your concern, but a motion sensor light would be just as safe as a constant one and a lot less antisocial.

My neighbours sometimes leave their security light on all night and I have to say, it is very intrusive. It also means the birds sing in the middle of the night because they think it’s dawn, which can be quite noisy.

The light is obviously needed for you to feel safe there and you've gone through all the right steps and got permission for it and it was installed by your HA. Your neighbour probably doesn't understand why it's gone up (and really it's none of their business). I would just direct her back to the HA and tell her to make a complaint through them if it's bothering her as they installed it and there's nothing you can do about it so you won't be having any further conversations about it. I'd also let your housing officer know she pestering you about it regularly as they could actually look at that as harassment. I would just give her a wide berth and let her get on with it. If it were me I'd probably be glad of the light in the alley for security and get myself blackout blinds if it was really annoying so I do think she's being a little unreasonable.

If its anything like our local housing association they don't think through how disruptive some things can be. Yabvu. How annoying for your neighbour.Can you angle it down and get a ring doorbell? Our local DV charity give them out for free.

Totally get why you have the light but I’d get in touch with the charity/association that put it up and just explain the situation. They might change it for a sensor one. If they don’t then you’ll just have to live with the shitty comments or go and explain why you have it. I wouldn’t say you’re a shitty neighbour but I would say it’s inconsiderate of the association that put it up, especially since you can get sensor ones that would be cheaper for you and better for your neighbours

This website might help, all seems cheap too www.lightingforgardens.com/underwater-lighting/accessories/glare-shields-lenses-filters

How to ruin a neighbourly relationship in 1 easy step.

Firstly, l am sorry that you have been so abused. Well done for getting yourself to safety. Don't worry about the neighbour. If the housing association approved it, you are fine.

I think maybe you're confidence has been eroded because of the abuse. I would ignore the neighbour. I have had to do this with a neighbour harassing me. Record each time she says something, and email a log to the housing association.

You're safety is paramount. If she is really bothered she can get blackout curtains, but that's her own business.

I think she is trying to assert dominance where she has no right to. You've dealt with a bully before, you can deal with one again. Unfortunately bullies and drama are part of life. Keep well, be safe. I feel proud for you.💐

I think she made a good point.

I'd be looking to keep the neighbours on side in your situation, which must be very stressful.

Hopefully you can sort something out that means the neighbour isn't being bothered by a constant, intrusive light.