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uying a house or renting is already a complex and costly business. But what about the experience of actually living there in harmony with your neighbours. In fact, some situations over noise, anti-social behaviour, and dumping rubbish can end up in the courts for years, create excess stress, and in some cases criminal behaviour.

A recent survey found one in four people have had a problem with nuisance neighbours in the last year.

We also found that 64% of people who have experienced problems in the last year didn’t know where to go to seek help and advice.

Regardless of whether you rent or own your property, local authorities have a duty to investigate excessive noise, anti-social behaviour and rubbish dumping that impacts local communities. They have powers to take action on unacceptable behaviour.

If relations with your neighbour have broken down, or if you don’t feel able to, or are afraid to speak to your neighbour, you should contact your local authority to report the nuisance.

Local authorities have dedicated teams assigned to deal with noise control, anti-social behaviour and rubbish management.

It can be difficult to pluck up the courage to talk directly to a neighbour about a problem of their making. But sometimes people are unaware that they are causing a problem, especially when it comes to noise. So when they’re clacking about in high heels on wooden floors, or having noisy parties until 4am – they may not think they are causing an irritation.

If you’re able to talk directly to your neighbour, you may find that the problem can be sorted out quite quickly. Or write a note detailing some of your issues – politely.

However uncomfortable you might feel about raising the issue, you’ll probably feel a lot worse if you have to continue living with the problem.

If you’re frightened of talking to your neighbour, due to anti-social behaviour for example, you should contact your local authority antisocial behaviour team or the police.

If you live in a rented property or own a leasehold, you should contact the landlord, housing association or freeholder and explain the problem.

They may be able to take action against your neighbour.