It seems everyone has a story about their neighbours. 'They were too loud!' 'Too nosy!' 'They never kept their hedges under control!' But have you ever stopped to wonder whether you might be the neighbour at the centre of someone else's story? Well, there's an easy way to find out.
We asked experts for the biggest signs you might be the one your neighbours complain about. From poorly kept bins to bad parking, they shared the biggest bugbears that cause tension in the neighbourhood.
1. Noise levels are too high
Perhaps you like listening to loud music with the windows wide open? Or hosting alfresco parties? Either way, your neighbours might have a thing or two to say about it.
According to a survey conducted by Redrow involving 1,800 homeowners across the UK, 65 per cent of respondents cited loud noise as their biggest source of frustration. In the survey, those participating were asked to choose the three qualities they found most annoying. Loud music and late-night noise came out on top.
2. You park without considering others
Inconsiderate parking is another sign you could be upsetting your neighbours. According to Redrow's survey, 57 per cent of respondents cited 'inconsiderate parking' as a cause of annoyance.
3. Your bins are a mess
Do you have overflowing bins with a less-than-welcoming smell coming out of them? For Leigh Barnes at Jacksons Fencing, not looking after your bin area properly can be another source of tension.
'Creating dedicated storage areas that keep bins tucked away out of view and protected from the elements helps prevent them from blowing over in storms, reduces odours, and keeps driveways looking clean and organised,' he says.
4. Your branches and hedges are overhanging
Whether they're broken, dying or just plain in the way, overhanging hedges or trees can be a great source of tension between neighbours. If this is the case in your garden, Leigh says it might be time to trim things back.
'Inspect your garden for loose or overhanging branches, especially those in proximity to fencing, windows, or power lines. Removing these potential hazards can prevent costly storm damage to shared boundaries,' says Leigh.
5. You don't respect fence ownership rules
Fences can often lead to disagreements amongst neighbours. From their height to attaching items like planters, Leigh suggests one of the key ways to avoid these tensions is by checking who owns what.
'Always check the Land Registry or Title Plan before making major changes. A "T" mark on the plans indicates ownership, while an "H" mark signifies a shared boundary where both parties share responsibility,' says Leigh.
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