Private Nuisance

Pronunciation: PRY-vit NOO-sunts

Torts › Nuisance

Definition

Substantial and unreasonable interference with another's use and enjoyment of land. Requires showing interference is intentional and unreasonable, or unintentional but resulting from negligent or abnormally dangerous activity. Gravity of harm vs. utility of conduct balancing. Applies only to interference with use and enjoyment, not physical invasion (that's trespass).

Related terms

• Public Nuisance — Unreasonable interference with right common to general public. Affects community at large, not just individual property owners. Examples:…
• Trespass to Land — Intentional physical invasion of another's real property without permission. Requires only intent to enter the land, not intent…
• Strict Liability — Liability without fault. Defendant is liable regardless of intent or negligence if they engage in certain abnormally dangerous…

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