[eru]

For some weird reason, keeping a journal of stuff as its happening (eg your neighbours making noises) seems to hold up better legally than just stating these things verbally.

One theory: I guess because the journal commits you to one story. One consistent story is easy to shoot down, eg your neighbour claims and proves they were on holiday when your journal speaks of lots of noise.

Evidence that is easy to shoot down, but doesn't actually get shot down, is more believable afterwards.