Person Says Their Side Of The Fence Looks Awful After Neighbor Painted Only Theirs
You don’t need to be friends with your neighbors, even though it’s nice if you can have a cup of tea together and chat a bit sitting at the table in the garden. But the most important thing is to have a civil relationship, because after all, you have a common property border and you live too close to each other to be on bad terms.
A user of Mumsnet is currently quite annoyed with their neighbors because they decided to paint the fence that separates the properties and didn’t announce it in advance, which has now resulted in a weird-looking fence with dripping paint, so they asked if they are angry at the neighbors for no reason as they usually get along quite well.
More info: Mumsnet
Homeowner was quite annoyed with their neighbors because they decided to repaint the common fence they have and didn’t say anything in advance
Image credits: Nigel Cooke
The Original Poster, cheesersqueezer, and their neighbor have a fence that separates their properties, and usually, you would like for it to look presentable. But in OP’s words, now it looks awful because the neighbor decided to paint it a different color, but only on their side.
The fence looks untidy because one side is a different color than the other, the neighbors also painted the sides and naturally, there was some paint dripping.
It’s not the color the OP is not happy about, but that the neighbor didn’t coordinate with them, because cheesersqueezer would have done their side as well for the fence to look uniform. Also, this wasn’t the first time the neighbors have done this, but the last time the OP didn’t say anything as it was the same color and they managed to deal with the drips.
The problem is that they don’t know who the fence belongs to, so they can’t tell the neighbor to not paint it as they wish if it’s theirs. It’s weird that the neighbors didn’t talk with the OP about painting the fence, because they usually have a good relationship.
The problem is that the fence now looks untidy because it is two different colors and the OP’s side has paint drips that don’t look very attractive
Image credits: cheesersqueezer
It is important for the OP that the fence looks presentable as it is a part of the garden and it happened at the most unfortunate time when they would be having family over. It’s a minor thing, but it bothered cheesersqueezer.
While this person went on the internet to vent, it seems that the neighbors realized they should have said something and in an update the OP posted a few hours after the original post, they said that the neighbor had already apologized.
Most people in the comments were quite confused why this was a problem and thought the OP was overreacting. They mocked the OP for worrying that the family party would be ruined.
Some of them suggested painting their own side how they wanted and letting the paint drip on the neighbor’s side.
The more serious answers suggested finding out whose fence it is. Others argued that talking about these things is just a neighborly thing to do, especially if they were getting along in the first place.
It wasn’t the first time the neighbor had done this, but the OP never said anything about it because at least it was the same color on both sides, though there were paint drips
Image credits: Brad Greenlee
It’s also tricky because the OP doesn’t know who the fence belongs to, so they can’t really tell the neighbor to stop painting it
Image credits: cheesersqueezer
There are quite a few reasons why you should try to have a good relationship with your neighbors. And Then We Saved says that first of all, it ensures peaceful living. It is practical, too, as good neighbors will watch out for you if they see someone suspicious coming into your house.
It is also convenient if, for example, you need to borrow a shovel or any supplies that you know you won’t use enough to justify buying them, but borrowing them from the neighbor in exchange for homemade cookies is a good solution. Neighbors can provide many other favors, like looking after your house when you’re on vacation, looking after your children, asking for advice, or creating connections with influential people that may help your career.
Not to mention they can be great people and you may find a new friend that lives just next door. Think about all the fun garden parties you could have!
It is unfortunate that it happened the weekend the OP was having guests over as they wanted their garden to look presentable
Image credits: Rattan Direct
Do you know your neighbors? Do you get along? Would you be mad if they painted their fence and made your side look untidy? Let us know your relationship with the people living next to you and also sound off your reactions to the story. Do you think the OP was being unreasonable to be upset? Or should the neighbors have been more considerate?
Some people in the comments didn’t see why it was such a big deal and others believed the neighbor could have said something, seeing as they got along
Why not talk to them about it? They might have no clue it is bothering you. "Hi, I see you've painted the fence. Unfortunately it has dripped down on my side and it looks ugly now. How can we prevent this in the future?" That gives them space to give back with a genuine offer to do something about it.
This just sounds like someone complaining about something that is most likely completely avoidable if they had the courage to just openly go and talk to the neighbor instead of hoping he reads your mind. Confrontation is healthy and doesn’t have to be angry or hostile. It’s ok, you can go talk to your neighbor like an adult, you’ll be fine.
This happened to my parents a few years ago. What was really annoying is that it was my parents' fence and they kept it in good order and would have paid to have both sides done had it needed it. You need to find out who the fence belongs to and then you can either tell them to leave your fence alone and if it needs painting you will do both sides, or if it is theirs, tell them to also paint your side. I don't know which country this in in, but most countries will have some kind of office that logs these things along with the plans for the property. In the UK it is the Land Registry.
In the UK you can often tell who owns it as well, based on which side has the arris rails. The usual rule (not 100%) is that if you have the arris rails on your side, it is your fence. That has certainly applied in every property I've owned where there is a fence instead of a wall or hedge.
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Normally if you don't know if you don't know if something belongs to you, it doesn't. If it's their fence, they can do whatever they want to it without your input. If you don't like how it looks either ask permission to paint the other side the same color or put up your own fence.
Most wooden fences have horizontal supports across. Whoever has those facing their yard is usually the owner.
This is not a legal indication of ownership. What you need is to have your property surveyed by a licensed surveyor, who will then determine which side of the property line the fence is on. That, then, shows ownership.
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Sometimes the fence belongs to one property, sometimes it is co owned. Either way, you need to talk to your neighbour and ask them to discuss painting with you.
Hang a sign over to there side asking what the color is and how it bled over into your yard and side. Maybe they will be helpful or at least apologize for the workmanship and maybe get half of the coverage for you to paint your side now that it's wrecked.
So paint it the color you want and let them deal with drips, but frankly your guests should be understanding. After your neighbor sees drips on their side they will most likely agree you should both agree on timing/color of painting in future.
Fences don't get painted as a fashion choice. He should take care of his own side of the fence.
Just…. Talk? I know that‘s an alien concept, but sometimes it works. LOL
In Australian if it is a boundary fence between properties ,your side is yours and the neighbour's side is theirs .So you are free to paint your side and half of the top rail whatever colour you like.If they have seriously dripped the paint over your side,ask then to clean it up.
How adult of them to upkeep a fence. What stop 'you' from taking a step the week earlier? You wanted to be involved? Start that conversation, they don't mindread. If it bothers you to have matchy-matchy, let them know. what wasn't an issue, now is and who holds that negative engergy? Be proactive or be quiet.
Wow...yall are too nice. I'm buy paint of the exact opposite color on the color wheel and painting my side of the fence...turn about is fair play. And yes before yall waste all of your time with it...I am a grade A AH when I take a mind to.
Is this in a planned community where everyone has the same fence as supplied by the builder? If so, then the fence is right on the property line and is technically dual ownership in that you each own your side of it. If not and this fence only surrounds your home then it's yours and likely installed by a previous owner in which case it has to abut the property line and not cross over. They do still have the legal right to paint their side of it without consulting you. Not polite but legal. Do you live in an HOA community? If so check with the board and see if there are any rules regarding fence maintenance.
The next time you replace your fence, put it 4" over on your side of the property line. All neighbor fence problems go away if you do this. Since it is attached only to your property, you can do anything you please with it on both sides. If the fence is installed right down the middle of the property line, then it is a shared resource. Both neighbors are expected to act responsibly in all costs & maintenance. And yes, the neighbor has a right to be concerned if the fence is painted on one side. Simplyfy things by installing the fence only on your property. Just be sure and notify any potential buyer of this arrangement. The lender may require a survey before approval. This will be upsetting if discovered during the survey. Tell them first when they bid on the property to avoid any trouble.
Why not talk to them about it? They might have no clue it is bothering you. "Hi, I see you've painted the fence. Unfortunately it has dripped down on my side and it looks ugly now. How can we prevent this in the future?" That gives them space to give back with a genuine offer to do something about it.
This just sounds like someone complaining about something that is most likely completely avoidable if they had the courage to just openly go and talk to the neighbor instead of hoping he reads your mind. Confrontation is healthy and doesn’t have to be angry or hostile. It’s ok, you can go talk to your neighbor like an adult, you’ll be fine.
This happened to my parents a few years ago. What was really annoying is that it was my parents' fence and they kept it in good order and would have paid to have both sides done had it needed it. You need to find out who the fence belongs to and then you can either tell them to leave your fence alone and if it needs painting you will do both sides, or if it is theirs, tell them to also paint your side. I don't know which country this in in, but most countries will have some kind of office that logs these things along with the plans for the property. In the UK it is the Land Registry.
In the UK you can often tell who owns it as well, based on which side has the arris rails. The usual rule (not 100%) is that if you have the arris rails on your side, it is your fence. That has certainly applied in every property I've owned where there is a fence instead of a wall or hedge.
Load More Replies... Normally if you don't know if you don't know if something belongs to you, it doesn't. If it's their fence, they can do whatever they want to it without your input. If you don't like how it looks either ask permission to paint the other side the same color or put up your own fence.
Most wooden fences have horizontal supports across. Whoever has those facing their yard is usually the owner.
This is not a legal indication of ownership. What you need is to have your property surveyed by a licensed surveyor, who will then determine which side of the property line the fence is on. That, then, shows ownership.
Load More Replies... Sometimes the fence belongs to one property, sometimes it is co owned. Either way, you need to talk to your neighbour and ask them to discuss painting with you.
Hang a sign over to there side asking what the color is and how it bled over into your yard and side. Maybe they will be helpful or at least apologize for the workmanship and maybe get half of the coverage for you to paint your side now that it's wrecked.
So paint it the color you want and let them deal with drips, but frankly your guests should be understanding. After your neighbor sees drips on their side they will most likely agree you should both agree on timing/color of painting in future.
Fences don't get painted as a fashion choice. He should take care of his own side of the fence.
Just…. Talk? I know that‘s an alien concept, but sometimes it works. LOL
In Australian if it is a boundary fence between properties ,your side is yours and the neighbour's side is theirs .So you are free to paint your side and half of the top rail whatever colour you like.If they have seriously dripped the paint over your side,ask then to clean it up.
How adult of them to upkeep a fence. What stop 'you' from taking a step the week earlier? You wanted to be involved? Start that conversation, they don't mindread. If it bothers you to have matchy-matchy, let them know. what wasn't an issue, now is and who holds that negative engergy? Be proactive or be quiet.
Wow...yall are too nice. I'm buy paint of the exact opposite color on the color wheel and painting my side of the fence...turn about is fair play. And yes before yall waste all of your time with it...I am a grade A AH when I take a mind to.
Is this in a planned community where everyone has the same fence as supplied by the builder? If so, then the fence is right on the property line and is technically dual ownership in that you each own your side of it. If not and this fence only surrounds your home then it's yours and likely installed by a previous owner in which case it has to abut the property line and not cross over. They do still have the legal right to paint their side of it without consulting you. Not polite but legal. Do you live in an HOA community? If so check with the board and see if there are any rules regarding fence maintenance.
The next time you replace your fence, put it 4" over on your side of the property line. All neighbor fence problems go away if you do this. Since it is attached only to your property, you can do anything you please with it on both sides. If the fence is installed right down the middle of the property line, then it is a shared resource. Both neighbors are expected to act responsibly in all costs & maintenance. And yes, the neighbor has a right to be concerned if the fence is painted on one side. Simplyfy things by installing the fence only on your property. Just be sure and notify any potential buyer of this arrangement. The lender may require a survey before approval. This will be upsetting if discovered during the survey. Tell them first when they bid on the property to avoid any trouble.
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