Cats using neighbouring gardens as litter trays are Britain’s biggest summer garden grievance, according to new research highlighting the issues most likely to spark disputes between neighbours.
A survey by specialist home insurer Homeprotect found that more than 60% of Britons have pet peeves about their neighbours’ behaviour, with almost four in 10 complaints linked to gardens.
The biggest irritation was cats leaving a mess in neighbouring gardens, cited by 13% of respondents.
The issue proved particularly unpopular with Millennials, where 16% said it was their biggest garden-related annoyance, while almost one in five people in the East Midlands identified it as a major source of friction.
POOR MAINTAINENCE
Poorly maintained gardens ranked second, with 12% of respondents frustrated by overgrown or untidy neighbouring properties. The issue was particularly prevalent in Wales, where 22% said neighbouring gardens were a concern.
Summer entertaining also featured prominently, with barbecue cooking smells causing tension for some households. Around 15% of Londoners said smoke and food odours drifting across garden fences were among their biggest seasonal irritations.
Garden boundaries remain another common flashpoint. More than 6% of respondents cited disputes over fences, overhanging trees, hedges and maintenance responsibilities as their biggest source of neighbour conflict.
The findings follow a widely reported court case in Essex in which three siblings were ordered to pay more than £209,000 after a long-running boundary dispute involving the removal of a fence and mature trees.
SOUR RELATIONS
David Joyson, Chief Customer officer at Homeprotect, says: “It’s clear that while many of us get along well with our neighbours, certain habits can still test our patience, whether it’s the behaviour of pets, or a perceived lack of garden maintenance.
“We often think about how to protect our homes, but protecting your peace of mind is equally important, especially when it comes to your garden, which many of us consider a sanctuary in the summer months.
“Issues with neighbours can cause relations to sour and create uncomfortable tension, but they can also escalate. This is why it’s important to know how to de-escalate these situations, and if this can’t be done, to know your legal position.”
Homeprotect also reminded homeowners that trees may be protected by Tree Preservation Orders, meaning they cannot be cut back or removed without the appropriate permissions, with breaches potentially resulting in prosecution and unlimited fines.
