“Called The Police On Me”: Woman Shocked After Neighbors Paint Her House While She’s Away
When you move to a new neighborhood, you might dislike certain things about the place. And, while you can make as many changes as you want in your own house, there’s nothing much you can do about the homes of people who live next door. However, sometimes nosy individuals might take matters into their own hands.
For instance, a woman expressed her anger online about how her neighbors decided to change her house color without her permission. The author, who loved her yellow house, was shocked to see it painted gray after coming back from a two-week vacation. Keep reading to find out how she dealt with her neighbors’ rude actions.
Dealing with bad neighbors can be quite a hassle
Image credits: Thgusstavo Santana / pexels (not the actual photo)
A woman revealed her neighbors tried to sue her over her house color, then secretly got it repainted it while she was away
Image credits: Ian Ramírez / pexels (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Yan Krukau / pexels (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Tima Miroshnichenko / pexels (not the actual photo)
Every state has its own vandalism laws, so the woman included her state name for clarity
She provided further updates about the entire situation
Image credits: weirdquestion11
People aren’t as acquainted with their neighbors anymore
We all have our own checklists when searching for a new place to live. For some, it could be amenities like parks or schools in the area; for others, it could be the cost, layout, or size. But the people living nearby probably affect most of us.
Whether you like them, hate them, or simply tolerate them, the truth is, you can’t avoid the people who live next to you. Well, you can try, but it’s not 100% possible. At some point, you will bump into them. It could be while getting your mail or throwing out your garbage.
Getting to know your neighbors is completely your choice. Based on a 2019 Pew Research Center survey, 57% of Americans claim to know some of their neighbors as opposed to 43% who know most or all of their neighbors . For those aged 18 to 29, that percentage rises to 78%, and for those aged 30 to 49, it is 72%.58% of people claim to know their neighbors, yet they don’t hang out or engage in conversation with them.
Earlier, more people were well acquainted with their neighbors. Half a century ago, front porches often became social hubs of the block, where people gathered for evening chats or gossip sessions. Fast forward to today, where many of us use digital tools to stay in touch.
With almost everything available in the comfort of our homes, we tend to spend less time in the neighborhood. For instance, BBQ nights in the backyard are replaced by ordering food online. We prefer staying in and playing video games or scrolling through our social media over enjoying a quick chat with our neighbors.
Irrespective, having bad neighbors can make life really difficult. They are the ones who think it’s okay to pluck the beautiful flowers from your garden or the ones partying the night away, playing DJ to the entire neighborhood.
Image credits: Rachel Claire / pexels (not the actual photo)
There are certain things you cannot morally or legally do to your neighbor’s house
However, living next to someone doesn’t give you ‘special’ rights over their property. Despite how much you despise your neighbor, there are certain things you shouldn’t morally and legally do. You can’t enter a person’s property without their permission, as it is considered an invasion of privacy.
Additionally, if you take anything from their property without asking them first, it is stealing, and they can file charges against you. As a good neighbor, you should be considerate and not block their driveway or walkway.
Also, dumping garbage or littering other people’s property is both disrespectful and illegal. If you wish to put up structures that might encroach on their land, then you need to ask for their permission.
Lastly, you cannot intentionally damage their property. This includes breaking their windows, graffiti, or tampering with their belongings. Depending on local laws, unauthorized painting can be considered vandalism or property damage.
In this particular incident, the couple living next door got their neighbor’s house painted without her permission. Now, it will cost the author a significant amount to repaint her home. The financial burden and practical inconvenience her neighbors put her through can be quite stressful. What do you think about this incident? Have you ever dealt with such unruly neighbors?
Image credits: Dmytro Kormylets / pexels (not the actual photo)
Many advised the author to repaint her house a brighter yellow and file a complaint against her neighbors
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I did a quick Google for "Louisiana yellow house lawsuit" and found a fuller (more floridly written) version of this story. Apparently OP took them to court where they were found guilty of fraud and vandalism. ETA: the website is AmoMama, I haven't linked because I'm not sure of posting rules and am too lazy to look them up!
https://amomama.com/430852-neighbors-hated-my-house-color-and.html
Load More Replies...The painters may well have had a work order, but it was not a valid work order. For the WO to be valid, it must have been created by someone with the authority to paint the house, eg the homeowner. The police were wrong. The painters could have been sued. And if the painters were sued, they would have gone after the people who engaged their services in the first place. The police were also wrong with regards to vandalism. The neighbours paid someone else to do the vandalism. It would not have been done otherwise. The neighbours were responsible.
It's important for people to learn: NEVER trust the police when they say that something is/isn't illegal. They don't know the law and are not required to. They'll just give you the answer that's the lest work for them, or fits their personal beliefs. Ask a lawyer.
Load More Replies...The neighbors were convicted with crimonal charges (identitiy theft, vandalism and fraud) and had to pay for the house being painted yellow again.https://amomama.com/430852-neighbors-hated-my-house-color-and.html
Load More Replies...They lost the moment they said they'd sue OP for the cost of painting. They basically admitted to hiring the company to paint OP's house.
Exactly!! I would’ve repainted it with some weird optical illusion, wild color scheme maybe just on the side of the house closest to the neighbor
Load More Replies...Very surprised only a few commenters mentioned identity theft. That's the main crime here I think. They impersonated them. Glad they sued for that because this is not at all okay. Crazy to me that the police didn't think of that angle but whatever.
I wonder if this is real? It was originally posted on Reddit 9 years ago https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/3jsxc6/my_neighbors_didnt_like_the_color_of_my_house_was/ There are examples of it being repeated since then with others claiming it as their story. I suspect it's all fiction.
"How can this be legal? I'm curious." When the cops routinely drag their feet on a situation, it doesn't become "legal", but it falls into a grey area where it's very difficult to enforce the law. As an example: as I live in America, I automatically live under Americans with Disabilities Act protections. One of them is that if someone without placard or plates parks in a space marked for disabled parking only, I'm supposed to be able to call and get that car towed. On the other hand, I live in a municipality where the police have decided that when they get called, instead of towing the car, they will notify the owner that the car will be towed in 48 hours if the car isn't moved. The owner can come out, back out of the space, go right back into it, and reset the clock. All not "legal" in any way, but since the actual legality is effectively unenforceable, there's not a thing I can do if I go to the laundromat and end up having to park halfway across the lot.
From the end of the original article: This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author. The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided "as is," and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
And also it seems the neighbours were somehow tried and found guilty of criminal charges in what seemed to be civil court. Interesting....
Load More Replies...i would get all the kids in the area to bring their paintball guns then repaint your house yellow,and have them use any colours they have to brighten the place up.
Im pretty sure that to avoid a lawsuit, the painting company might come back and fix their mistake (not verifying ID). They possibly could paint it back yellow.
I presume that painting the outside of a whole house will cost several thousand dollars. Who is crazy enough to spend such money for another's house? The story seems B.S. to me.
Didn't the painters ask for proof of ownership - to cover their backs? Regardless if it was cash paid. Not even asking for proof of name, like a driving licence?
That painting company was negligent, even disregarding how batsh-t crazy the neighbors were... Like one of the replies said, you MUST verify photo ID (or otherwise positively ID the client) before you can get permission to do any home improvement work. The most the painters should have done is give a quote... And besides, what decent company bids a big job like this only based on photos? Hope the company got sued as well...
What they did was straight up vandalism. The police need to charge them. I would also make a claim with my own homeowners insurance just in case the neighbors can't afford to paint it back and/or the job wasn't done correctly. I don't know Louisiana law, but what they did is still trespass. You can't hire someone else to do your dirty work and then say, oh, we weren't actually there so we couldn't have trespassed. I'm pissed at your neighbors for you! Good luck!
So, if I was living in the state of Louisiana, I could pay a couple of kids, say $50 to spray paint 'Going out of business sale' all over "My" storefront, as long as I stay across the street? And it doesn't even have to be my storefront? Teens were acting on good faith, and I newer stepped onto the property, so we're all in the clear. I have a brother who winters in New Orleans. i should let him know this, in case anybody annoys him.
Every house on my street is white. When I bought my house I wanted to paint it, but ran out of money until... 6 years later our church came out and painted it with paint I picked. Zinnia- bright yellow. I had started with the porch while our son napped. A nosy lady drove by and almost drove into a yard. I did paint the brick pillars dark green and the concrete top is purple. Yay color.
Forget about the police. Contact the local DA Office. Because this 100% a criminal offense. The police don't know all the laws or application of them. They impersonated you and conspired to trespass and damage your property. If anything, any charges the DA's office could come up with would be significantly worse than had they got caught doing the painting themselves.
Idiots....how are they going to do something anonymously and then sue for the costs. I hope they got what they deserved and the house has been restored
Omg. I really hope the Davies, the neighbors are living out of their car. Entitled animals like them have no right to any respect or kindness.
If I were them, I’d find the brightest yellow paint and paint my house with neon yellow.
OP should hire a painting company to paint the entitled couple's house the same color of yellow OP's was.
well, it is 8 years old, so there must be a third part to it
Load More Replies...I did a quick Google for "Louisiana yellow house lawsuit" and found a fuller (more floridly written) version of this story. Apparently OP took them to court where they were found guilty of fraud and vandalism. ETA: the website is AmoMama, I haven't linked because I'm not sure of posting rules and am too lazy to look them up!
https://amomama.com/430852-neighbors-hated-my-house-color-and.html
Load More Replies...The painters may well have had a work order, but it was not a valid work order. For the WO to be valid, it must have been created by someone with the authority to paint the house, eg the homeowner. The police were wrong. The painters could have been sued. And if the painters were sued, they would have gone after the people who engaged their services in the first place. The police were also wrong with regards to vandalism. The neighbours paid someone else to do the vandalism. It would not have been done otherwise. The neighbours were responsible.
It's important for people to learn: NEVER trust the police when they say that something is/isn't illegal. They don't know the law and are not required to. They'll just give you the answer that's the lest work for them, or fits their personal beliefs. Ask a lawyer.
Load More Replies...The neighbors were convicted with crimonal charges (identitiy theft, vandalism and fraud) and had to pay for the house being painted yellow again.https://amomama.com/430852-neighbors-hated-my-house-color-and.html
Load More Replies...They lost the moment they said they'd sue OP for the cost of painting. They basically admitted to hiring the company to paint OP's house.
Exactly!! I would’ve repainted it with some weird optical illusion, wild color scheme maybe just on the side of the house closest to the neighbor
Load More Replies...Very surprised only a few commenters mentioned identity theft. That's the main crime here I think. They impersonated them. Glad they sued for that because this is not at all okay. Crazy to me that the police didn't think of that angle but whatever.
I wonder if this is real? It was originally posted on Reddit 9 years ago https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/3jsxc6/my_neighbors_didnt_like_the_color_of_my_house_was/ There are examples of it being repeated since then with others claiming it as their story. I suspect it's all fiction.
"How can this be legal? I'm curious." When the cops routinely drag their feet on a situation, it doesn't become "legal", but it falls into a grey area where it's very difficult to enforce the law. As an example: as I live in America, I automatically live under Americans with Disabilities Act protections. One of them is that if someone without placard or plates parks in a space marked for disabled parking only, I'm supposed to be able to call and get that car towed. On the other hand, I live in a municipality where the police have decided that when they get called, instead of towing the car, they will notify the owner that the car will be towed in 48 hours if the car isn't moved. The owner can come out, back out of the space, go right back into it, and reset the clock. All not "legal" in any way, but since the actual legality is effectively unenforceable, there's not a thing I can do if I go to the laundromat and end up having to park halfway across the lot.
From the end of the original article: This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author. The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided "as is," and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
And also it seems the neighbours were somehow tried and found guilty of criminal charges in what seemed to be civil court. Interesting....
Load More Replies...i would get all the kids in the area to bring their paintball guns then repaint your house yellow,and have them use any colours they have to brighten the place up.
Im pretty sure that to avoid a lawsuit, the painting company might come back and fix their mistake (not verifying ID). They possibly could paint it back yellow.
I presume that painting the outside of a whole house will cost several thousand dollars. Who is crazy enough to spend such money for another's house? The story seems B.S. to me.
Didn't the painters ask for proof of ownership - to cover their backs? Regardless if it was cash paid. Not even asking for proof of name, like a driving licence?
That painting company was negligent, even disregarding how batsh-t crazy the neighbors were... Like one of the replies said, you MUST verify photo ID (or otherwise positively ID the client) before you can get permission to do any home improvement work. The most the painters should have done is give a quote... And besides, what decent company bids a big job like this only based on photos? Hope the company got sued as well...
What they did was straight up vandalism. The police need to charge them. I would also make a claim with my own homeowners insurance just in case the neighbors can't afford to paint it back and/or the job wasn't done correctly. I don't know Louisiana law, but what they did is still trespass. You can't hire someone else to do your dirty work and then say, oh, we weren't actually there so we couldn't have trespassed. I'm pissed at your neighbors for you! Good luck!
So, if I was living in the state of Louisiana, I could pay a couple of kids, say $50 to spray paint 'Going out of business sale' all over "My" storefront, as long as I stay across the street? And it doesn't even have to be my storefront? Teens were acting on good faith, and I newer stepped onto the property, so we're all in the clear. I have a brother who winters in New Orleans. i should let him know this, in case anybody annoys him.
Every house on my street is white. When I bought my house I wanted to paint it, but ran out of money until... 6 years later our church came out and painted it with paint I picked. Zinnia- bright yellow. I had started with the porch while our son napped. A nosy lady drove by and almost drove into a yard. I did paint the brick pillars dark green and the concrete top is purple. Yay color.
Forget about the police. Contact the local DA Office. Because this 100% a criminal offense. The police don't know all the laws or application of them. They impersonated you and conspired to trespass and damage your property. If anything, any charges the DA's office could come up with would be significantly worse than had they got caught doing the painting themselves.
Idiots....how are they going to do something anonymously and then sue for the costs. I hope they got what they deserved and the house has been restored
Omg. I really hope the Davies, the neighbors are living out of their car. Entitled animals like them have no right to any respect or kindness.
If I were them, I’d find the brightest yellow paint and paint my house with neon yellow.
OP should hire a painting company to paint the entitled couple's house the same color of yellow OP's was.
well, it is 8 years old, so there must be a third part to it
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