If you’ve ever ducked under the garden fence to avoid being seen, or left the house in a hurry to steer clear of Mrs Norris three doors down, you’re not alone – according to a new study, nosy neighbours are neighbours' number one gripe.
Loud TV and music, late night parties, loud arguments and barking dogs follow in the top five causes of neighbourly disputes, according to law firm Slater and Gordon.
“It can be extremely difficult and distressing when you find yourself in an argument with your neighbour,” said Mark Woloshak, dispute resolution lawyer at Slater and Gordon. “Minor rows can escalate into much bigger arguments which can make life a living nightmare for most involved.”
Slater and Gordon surveyed more than 2,000 households after finding a rise in the number of people seeking legal advice over neighbour disputes.
The law firm found, on average, neighbours rowed with each other twice a month, with 27% claiming their issues had never been resolved.
Many reported that the problems had gone on for weeks, months and even years – often only ending when one of the parties moved away.
Want to avoid being an annoying noisy neighbour? Make sure your bed is as sound proof as possible; think about rugs or carpets where possible; and try to use your washing machine during the day, people previously told HuffPost UK.
Top 20 Causes Of Neighbourly Disputes, Ranked:
Nosy neighbours
Loud TV/music
Late night parties
Overhearing arguments
Dogs barking loudly
Harassment
Messy/untidy property
Complaints from neighbours
Property infringements
Rows over parking spaces
Criminal activity
Property damage
Cigarette smoke
Overgrown garden
Fly-tipped rubbish
Prolonged building work/unwanted extensions
Noisy sex
Physical attacks
Crying babies
Cooking smells.