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Post by metalhead on Sept 17, 2023 10:17:11 GMT
Can't believe I'm having to post such a ridiculous thread but there we go.
I'm currently in an informal dispute (no solicitors yet) with my neighbour over a fence and it seems to be escalating and getting worse.
I approached the neighbour in question to explain my intentions to replace the entire fence, posts and gravel boards at my expense. He did raise some initial concerns over maintaining the same height which I said would not be a problem. He also said that it was his boundary to maintain but I said I was happy to pay regardless and he was satisfied that he was getting a free fence. I checked my Property Information Form which has it down as Shared as such I felt happy to proceed. I have reason to believe this is erroneous.
A week later, the fence was replaced. He has since engaged in a letter writing campaign, hand delivering increasingly hostile and unreasonable letters, basically saying the work I've had done is unacceptable. He only hand delivers these letters when my partner and kids are home which they are finding uncomfortable. His most recent was delivered just as they were heading out to school. He has repeatedly shouted at the guys who were trying to do the work and went as far as parking his car in between their van and my house while they were trying to get on. When I try to have a sensible discussion with him, he tends to back down and see a bit more reason but as soon as the conversation concludes, he's back to trying to intimidate my family and shouting at the blokes. Again, this is only ever when I'm out the house and unable to intervene.
The boundary on the title plan is denoted by inward Ts as his to maintain, but he had failed to do for 30 years, hence me taking it upon myself to offer. He has contested this in writing and claims there was nothing wrong with the timber and posts which were damaged but I've plenty of photos that show the fence looking pretty rough. I suppose that's just opinions really.
His letters are mostly full of fabrications and made up nonsense like that I didn't approach him with my intentions (this was witnessed by several people including the workers) and that the fence was removed before he had any chance to say anything. Again, the fence was removed a full 7 days after. Most of this can be easily disproven.
What he actually wants... is simply the smooth/front side. He wants me to flip the fence panels. I am quite happy to do this... It's a fucking fence.
However he's also put in writing that he expects me to maintain the fence going forward in case of storm damage or weather damage. His argument is: I commissioned it, it's my job to maintain it entirely at my expense. Maintain it, but also give him the fronts? He'll have me painting his house at this rate...
We've hit an impasse quite frankly. He has offered no contribution financially and I never expected one. I went round at one point and suggested that if he wants the fronts, he make a very small contribution but after waiting a few days for me to go back to work, he simply hand delivered yet another letter rejecting this proposal with increasingly hostile language. He has also put in writing that he has refused to inspect the posts, gravel boards and fence and therefore any issues in the future, he will expect me to sort at my expense as he does not acknowledge that it has been constructed to a standard he approves.
I will flip the panels but my concern is that by doing so, I'm implicitly agreeing to the terms he is setting out.
He has repeatedly threatened legal action and keeps making comments like "this will end very badly for you". I've since refrained from further face-to-face conversation. They are not productive.
I've spent hours on Google and even phoned Myers in Burslem who couldn't believe that it has got this far. The solicitor said "it's a wooden fence and I charge 300 pound an hour".
Anyone else dealt with something similar? Anyone legally qualified to advise?
Feel free to PM. There's every chance this could escalate further.
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Post by lagwafis on Sept 17, 2023 10:59:33 GMT
Can't believe I'm having to post such a ridiculous thread but there we go. I'm currently in an informal dispute (no solicitors yet) with my neighbour over a fence and it seems to be escalating and getting worse. I approached the neighbour in question to explain my intentions to replace the entire fence, posts and gravel boards at my expense. He did raise some initial concerns over maintaining the same height which I said would not be a problem. He also said that it was his boundary to maintain but I said I was happy to pay regardless and he was satisfied that he was getting a free fence. I checked my Property Information Form which has it down as Shared as such I felt happy to proceed. I have reason to believe this is erroneous. A week later, the fence was replaced. He has since engaged in a letter writing campaign, hand delivering increasingly hostile and unreasonable letters, basically saying the work I've had done is unacceptable. He only hand delivers these letters when my partner and kids are home which they are finding uncomfortable. His most recent was delivered just as they were heading out to school. He has repeatedly shouted at the guys who were trying to do the work and went as far as parking his car in between their van and my house while they were trying to get on. When I try to have a sensible discussion with him, he tends to back down and see a bit more reason but as soon as the conversation concludes, he's back to trying to intimidate my family and shouting at the blokes. Again, this is only ever when I'm out the house and unable to intervene. The boundary on the title plan is denoted by inward Ts as his to maintain, but he had failed to do for 30 years, hence me taking it upon myself to offer. He has contested this in writing and claims there was nothing wrong with the timber and posts which were damaged but I've plenty of photos that show the fence looking pretty rough. I suppose that's just opinions really. His letters are mostly full of fabrications and made up nonsense like that I didn't approach him with my intentions (this was witnessed by several people including the workers) and that the fence was removed before he had any chance to say anything. Again, the fence was removed a full 7 days after. Most of this can be easily disproven.What he actually wants... is simply the smooth/front side. He wants me to flip the fence panels. I am quite happy to do this... It's a fucking fence. However he's also put in writing that he expects me to maintain the fence going forward in case of storm damage or weather damage. His argument is: I commissioned it, it's my job to maintain it entirely at my expense. Maintain it, but also give him the fronts? He'll have me painting his house at this rate... We've hit an impasse quite frankly. He has offered no contribution financially and I never expected one. I went round at one point and suggested that if he wants the fronts, he make a very small contribution but after waiting a few days for me to go back to work, he simply hand delivered yet another letter rejecting this proposal with increasingly hostile language. He has also put in writing that he has refused to inspect the posts, gravel boards and fence and therefore any issues in the future, he will expect me to sort at my expense as he does not acknowledge that it has been constructed to a standard he approves. I will flip the panels but my concern is that by doing so, I'm implicitly agreeing to the terms he is setting out. He has repeatedly threatened legal action and keeps making comments like "this will end very badly for you". I've since refrained from further face-to-face conversation. They are not productive. I've spent hours on Google and even phoned Myers in Burslem who couldn't believe that it has got this far. The solicitor said "it's a wooden fence and I charge 300 pound an hour". Anyone else dealt with something similar? Anyone legally qualified to advise? Feel free to PM. There's every chance this could escalate further. If you have independent witnesses I'd be focused on collecting evidence from them at this stage. Likewise, any photographs that demonstrate the fence was in poor condition prior to repair. Keep it civil and factual from your side. Keep a record of anything that you consider a threat / fabrication / unreasonable behaviour from his side. Put everything together in a timeline, start to finish. Once you have this in place it may be worth booking a one off session with a solicitor, just to get full assurances from a legal standpoint (you can get cheaper rates locally than £300.00). They may recommend some form of mediation service (rather than going straight to court). Looking at it, if you're able to 1) disprove his claims that he wasn't consulted, 2) show you've paid for the work / the work has improved the condition of the fence (before and after photos), 3) you're willing to compromise and flip the panels, 4) you've made efforts to resolve the conflict, then there is plenty going in your favour in the eyes of a moderator. |
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Post by butlerstbob on Sept 17, 2023 11:28:24 GMT
Can't believe I'm having to post such a ridiculous thread but there we go. I'm currently in an informal dispute (no solicitors yet) with my neighbour over a fence and it seems to be escalating and getting worse. I approached the neighbour in question to explain my intentions to replace the entire fence, posts and gravel boards at my expense. He did raise some initial concerns over maintaining the same height which I said would not be a problem. He also said that it was his boundary to maintain but I said I was happy to pay regardless and he was satisfied that he was getting a free fence. I checked my Property Information Form which has it down as Shared as such I felt happy to proceed. I have reason to believe this is erroneous. A week later, the fence was replaced. He has since engaged in a letter writing campaign, hand delivering increasingly hostile and unreasonable letters, basically saying the work I've had done is unacceptable. He only hand delivers these letters when my partner and kids are home which they are finding uncomfortable. His most recent was delivered just as they were heading out to school. He has repeatedly shouted at the guys who were trying to do the work and went as far as parking his car in between their van and my house while they were trying to get on. When I try to have a sensible discussion with him, he tends to back down and see a bit more reason but as soon as the conversation concludes, he's back to trying to intimidate my family and shouting at the blokes. Again, this is only ever when I'm out the house and unable to intervene. The boundary on the title plan is denoted by inward Ts as his to maintain, but he had failed to do for 30 years, hence me taking it upon myself to offer. He has contested this in writing and claims there was nothing wrong with the timber and posts which were damaged but I've plenty of photos that show the fence looking pretty rough. I suppose that's just opinions really. His letters are mostly full of fabrications and made up nonsense like that I didn't approach him with my intentions (this was witnessed by several people including the workers) and that the fence was removed before he had any chance to say anything. Again, the fence was removed a full 7 days after. Most of this can be easily disproven. What he actually wants... is simply the smooth/front side. He wants me to flip the fence panels. I am quite happy to do this... It's a fucking fence. However he's also put in writing that he expects me to maintain the fence going forward in case of storm damage or weather damage. His argument is: I commissioned it, it's my job to maintain it entirely at my expense. Maintain it, but also give him the fronts? He'll have me painting his house at this rate... We've hit an impasse quite frankly. He has offered no contribution financially and I never expected one. I went round at one point and suggested that if he wants the fronts, he make a very small contribution but after waiting a few days for me to go back to work, he simply hand delivered yet another letter rejecting this proposal with increasingly hostile language. He has also put in writing that he has refused to inspect the posts, gravel boards and fence and therefore any issues in the future, he will expect me to sort at my expense as he does not acknowledge that it has been constructed to a standard he approves. I will flip the panels but my concern is that by doing so, I'm implicitly agreeing to the terms he is setting out. He has repeatedly threatened legal action and keeps making comments like "this will end very badly for you". I've since refrained from further face-to-face conversation. They are not productive. I've spent hours on Google and even phoned Myers in Burslem who couldn't believe that it has got this far. The solicitor said "it's a wooden fence and I charge 300 pound an hour". Anyone else dealt with something similar? Anyone legally qualified to advise? Feel free to PM. There's every chance this could escalate further. I wouldn't flip the panels, you keep the fronts to your side, and basically fuck him! What's the worst that can happen? If he takes legal action it will cost him a lot more than it will cost you...He will get over it...if he doesn't that's his issue! |
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Post by foster on Sept 17, 2023 11:39:17 GMT
Funny thing is that I've also got a dispute going on with my neighbour.
We had a perfectly fine fence in place, good height, good condition, plenty of mileage left in the tank.
Then one day, totally out of the blue, he hires these rough looking blokes to tear the whole thing down and replaces it with something you'd expect to see on the USA/Mexico border, without my permission.
Worse still, the nobber put all the back panels on my side. Just who the hell does he think he is.
Tried talking to him but he keeps hiding. I've now resorted to trying to hand deliver letters to him but he's such a pussy that he keeps sending his wife and kids to the door.
Cheeky bastard has also now sent me a letter asking me to 'contribute' towards paying for that monstrosity. He can fuck right off.
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Post by metalhead on Sept 17, 2023 11:45:08 GMT
If you have independent witnesses I'd be focused on collecting evidence from them at this stage. Likewise, any photographs that demonstrate the fence was in poor condition prior to repair. Keep it civil and factual from your side. Keep a record of anything that you consider a threat / fabrication / unreasonable behaviour from his side. Put everything together in a timeline, start to finish. Once you have this in place it may be worth booking a one off session with a solicitor, just to get full assurances from a legal standpoint (you can get cheaper rates locally than £300.00). They may recommend some form of mediation service (rather than going straight to court). Looking at it, if you're able to 1) disprove his claims that he wasn't consulted, 2) show you've paid for the work / the work has improved the condition of the fence (before and after photos), 3) you're willing to compromise and flip the panels, 4) you've made efforts to resolve the conflict, then there is plenty going in your favour in the eyes of a moderator. I've already assembled a fairly meticulous timeline, which is more than can be said for him as his letters are littered with inaccurate statements and dates. When I asked him about this, he said "semantics". I was far more willing to compromise and flip the panels when I thought it was the end of the situation. Now he's making out that all future maintenance is on me, I am wondering if doing absolutely nothing is a more sensible approach although this won't stop the letters of course and that's putting strain on my partner who is finding the whole thing really uncomfortable. I don't blame her really. She's in the house with two little girls and a 6ft man is constantly walking around dropping shite through the door. Suppose I have some decisions to make. |
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Post by metalhead on Sept 17, 2023 11:46:27 GMT
Funny thing is that I've also got a dispute going on with my neighbour. We had a perfectly fine fence in place, good height, good condition, plenty of mileage left in the tank. Then one day, totally out of the blue, he hires these rough looking blokes to tear the whole thing down and replaces it with something you'd expect to see on the USA/Mexico border, without my permission. Worse still, the nobber put all the back panels on my side. Just who the hell does he think he is. Tried talking to him but he keeps hiding. I've now resorted to trying to hand deliver letters to him but he's such a pussy that he keeps sending his wife and kids to the door. Cheeky bastard has also now sent me a letter asking me to 'contribute' towards paying for that monstrosity. He can fuck right off. Lol. Made me chuckle at least. The fence was like for like  |
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Post by cobhamstokey on Sept 17, 2023 11:47:16 GMT
Can't believe I'm having to post such a ridiculous thread but there we go. I'm currently in an informal dispute (no solicitors yet) with my neighbour over a fence and it seems to be escalating and getting worse. I approached the neighbour in question to explain my intentions to replace the entire fence, posts and gravel boards at my expense. He did raise some initial concerns over maintaining the same height which I said would not be a problem. He also said that it was his boundary to maintain but I said I was happy to pay regardless and he was satisfied that he was getting a free fence. I checked my Property Information Form which has it down as Shared as such I felt happy to proceed. I have reason to believe this is erroneous. A week later, the fence was replaced. He has since engaged in a letter writing campaign, hand delivering increasingly hostile and unreasonable letters, basically saying the work I've had done is unacceptable. He only hand delivers these letters when my partner and kids are home which they are finding uncomfortable. His most recent was delivered just as they were heading out to school. He has repeatedly shouted at the guys who were trying to do the work and went as far as parking his car in between their van and my house while they were trying to get on. When I try to have a sensible discussion with him, he tends to back down and see a bit more reason but as soon as the conversation concludes, he's back to trying to intimidate my family and shouting at the blokes. Again, this is only ever when I'm out the house and unable to intervene. The boundary on the title plan is denoted by inward Ts as his to maintain, but he had failed to do for 30 years, hence me taking it upon myself to offer. He has contested this in writing and claims there was nothing wrong with the timber and posts which were damaged but I've plenty of photos that show the fence looking pretty rough. I suppose that's just opinions really. His letters are mostly full of fabrications and made up nonsense like that I didn't approach him with my intentions (this was witnessed by several people including the workers) and that the fence was removed before he had any chance to say anything. Again, the fence was removed a full 7 days after. Most of this can be easily disproven. What he actually wants... is simply the smooth/front side. He wants me to flip the fence panels. I am quite happy to do this... It's a fucking fence. However he's also put in writing that he expects me to maintain the fence going forward in case of storm damage or weather damage. His argument is: I commissioned it, it's my job to maintain it entirely at my expense. Maintain it, but also give him the fronts? He'll have me painting his house at this rate... We've hit an impasse quite frankly. He has offered no contribution financially and I never expected one. I went round at one point and suggested that if he wants the fronts, he make a very small contribution but after waiting a few days for me to go back to work, he simply hand delivered yet another letter rejecting this proposal with increasingly hostile language. He has also put in writing that he has refused to inspect the posts, gravel boards and fence and therefore any issues in the future, he will expect me to sort at my expense as he does not acknowledge that it has been constructed to a standard he approves. I will flip the panels but my concern is that by doing so, I'm implicitly agreeing to the terms he is setting out. He has repeatedly threatened legal action and keeps making comments like "this will end very badly for you". I've since refrained from further face-to-face conversation. They are not productive. I've spent hours on Google and even phoned Myers in Burslem who couldn't believe that it has got this far. The solicitor said "it's a wooden fence and I charge 300 pound an hour". Anyone else dealt with something similar? Anyone legally qualified to advise? Feel free to PM. There's every chance this could escalate further. From what you’re saying he sounds like a bit of a knob (hope he doesn’t post on here).  Main thing is not to bite and do anything you regret later. If he continues being silly you could go down the mediation route civilmediation.org/about-mediation/They’re quite good and independent or the CAB. Citizens Advice. Sadly these sort of disputes can get out of hand so try and keep it civil if you can (sounds like he needs to more than you) as ultimately unless one of you moves you’ve got to live next door to each other for the forseable. Feel free to PM me mate though I’m out for a few hours |
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Post by metalhead on Sept 17, 2023 11:48:42 GMT
I wouldn't flip the panels, you keep the fronts to your side, and basically fuck him! What's the worst that can happen? If he takes legal action it will cost him a lot more than it will cost you...He will get over it...if he doesn't that's his issue! That's my dad's suggested approach lol. |
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Post by 4372 on Sept 17, 2023 11:54:29 GMT
Amazing what people fall out about. After a storm, a fence was destroyed in my garden. Very brief conversation with a neighbour followed. We split the cost, had a better quality fence put up, which will last longer that both of us.
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Post by iglugluk on Sept 17, 2023 11:59:18 GMT
Do you have legal protection cover on your building and contents insurance?
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Post by jesusmcmuffin on Sept 17, 2023 12:02:02 GMT
Why am glad I don't have neighbours
Had a similar neighbour years ago who would constantly put letters through the door, one was that my car was too big . Was parked on my property !!. Never responded and just binned all future letters , nosey woman with nothing better to do and no need to give her the time of day. She soon gave up...actually she might have died come to hink of it , one or the other.
I would leave as it is as you have witnesses and will cost him as someone has said and just ignore him from now on
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Post by metalhead on Sept 17, 2023 12:06:37 GMT
Amazing what people fall out about. After a storm, a fence was destroyed in my garden. Very brief conversation with a neighbour followed. We split the cost, had a better quality fence put up, which will last longer that both of us. Which is literally what happened with my other neighbour. I had only just bought the house so had not met him. He came round, said a fence panel had blown due to the storm. I suggested we wait as there were more to come but that I'd go half in. He got it replaced a few weeks later and I gave him half. We're now friends and talk regularly. |
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Post by Paul Spencer on Sept 17, 2023 12:06:42 GMT
Can't believe I'm having to post such a ridiculous thread but there we go. I'm currently in an informal dispute (no solicitors yet) with my neighbour over a fence and it seems to be escalating and getting worse. I approached the neighbour in question to explain my intentions to replace the entire fence, posts and gravel boards at my expense. He did raise some initial concerns over maintaining the same height which I said would not be a problem. He also said that it was his boundary to maintain but I said I was happy to pay regardless and he was satisfied that he was getting a free fence. I checked my Property Information Form which has it down as Shared as such I felt happy to proceed. I have reason to believe this is erroneous. A week later, the fence was replaced. He has since engaged in a letter writing campaign, hand delivering increasingly hostile and unreasonable letters, basically saying the work I've had done is unacceptable. He only hand delivers these letters when my partner and kids are home which they are finding uncomfortable. His most recent was delivered just as they were heading out to school. He has repeatedly shouted at the guys who were trying to do the work and went as far as parking his car in between their van and my house while they were trying to get on. When I try to have a sensible discussion with him, he tends to back down and see a bit more reason but as soon as the conversation concludes, he's back to trying to intimidate my family and shouting at the blokes. Again, this is only ever when I'm out the house and unable to intervene. The boundary on the title plan is denoted by inward Ts as his to maintain, but he had failed to do for 30 years, hence me taking it upon myself to offer. He has contested this in writing and claims there was nothing wrong with the timber and posts which were damaged but I've plenty of photos that show the fence looking pretty rough. I suppose that's just opinions really. His letters are mostly full of fabrications and made up nonsense like that I didn't approach him with my intentions (this was witnessed by several people including the workers) and that the fence was removed before he had any chance to say anything. Again, the fence was removed a full 7 days after. Most of this can be easily disproven. What he actually wants... is simply the smooth/front side. He wants me to flip the fence panels. I am quite happy to do this... It's a fucking fence. However he's also put in writing that he expects me to maintain the fence going forward in case of storm damage or weather damage. His argument is: I commissioned it, it's my job to maintain it entirely at my expense. Maintain it, but also give him the fronts? He'll have me painting his house at this rate... We've hit an impasse quite frankly. He has offered no contribution financially and I never expected one. I went round at one point and suggested that if he wants the fronts, he make a very small contribution but after waiting a few days for me to go back to work, he simply hand delivered yet another letter rejecting this proposal with increasingly hostile language. He has also put in writing that he has refused to inspect the posts, gravel boards and fence and therefore any issues in the future, he will expect me to sort at my expense as he does not acknowledge that it has been constructed to a standard he approves. I will flip the panels but my concern is that by doing so, I'm implicitly agreeing to the terms he is setting out. He has repeatedly threatened legal action and keeps making comments like "this will end very badly for you". I've since refrained from further face-to-face conversation. They are not productive. I've spent hours on Google and even phoned Myers in Burslem who couldn't believe that it has got this far. The solicitor said "it's a wooden fence and I charge 300 pound an hour". Anyone else dealt with something similar? Anyone legally qualified to advise? Feel free to PM. There's every chance this could escalate further. I don't quite understand when you say you're at an impasse? You say that you're happy to flip the panels and I assume you always intended to maintain the fence yourself, so what is the specific issue that is currently causing the problem? |
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Post by metalhead on Sept 17, 2023 12:07:51 GMT
Do you have legal protection cover on your building and contents insurance? Yes. |
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Post by flea79 on Sept 17, 2023 12:08:01 GMT
Can't believe I'm having to post such a ridiculous thread but there we go. I'm currently in an informal dispute (no solicitors yet) with my neighbour over a fence and it seems to be escalating and getting worse. I approached the neighbour in question to explain my intentions to replace the entire fence, posts and gravel boards at my expense. He did raise some initial concerns over maintaining the same height which I said would not be a problem. He also said that it was his boundary to maintain but I said I was happy to pay regardless and he was satisfied that he was getting a free fence. I checked my Property Information Form which has it down as Shared as such I felt happy to proceed. I have reason to believe this is erroneous. A week later, the fence was replaced. He has since engaged in a letter writing campaign, hand delivering increasingly hostile and unreasonable letters, basically saying the work I've had done is unacceptable. He only hand delivers these letters when my partner and kids are home which they are finding uncomfortable. His most recent was delivered just as they were heading out to school. He has repeatedly shouted at the guys who were trying to do the work and went as far as parking his car in between their van and my house while they were trying to get on. When I try to have a sensible discussion with him, he tends to back down and see a bit more reason but as soon as the conversation concludes, he's back to trying to intimidate my family and shouting at the blokes. Again, this is only ever when I'm out the house and unable to intervene. The boundary on the title plan is denoted by inward Ts as his to maintain, but he had failed to do for 30 years, hence me taking it upon myself to offer. He has contested this in writing and claims there was nothing wrong with the timber and posts which were damaged but I've plenty of photos that show the fence looking pretty rough. I suppose that's just opinions really. His letters are mostly full of fabrications and made up nonsense like that I didn't approach him with my intentions (this was witnessed by several people including the workers) and that the fence was removed before he had any chance to say anything. Again, the fence was removed a full 7 days after. Most of this can be easily disproven. What he actually wants... is simply the smooth/front side. He wants me to flip the fence panels. I am quite happy to do this... It's a fucking fence. However he's also put in writing that he expects me to maintain the fence going forward in case of storm damage or weather damage. His argument is: I commissioned it, it's my job to maintain it entirely at my expense. Maintain it, but also give him the fronts? He'll have me painting his house at this rate... We've hit an impasse quite frankly. He has offered no contribution financially and I never expected one. I went round at one point and suggested that if he wants the fronts, he make a very small contribution but after waiting a few days for me to go back to work, he simply hand delivered yet another letter rejecting this proposal with increasingly hostile language. He has also put in writing that he has refused to inspect the posts, gravel boards and fence and therefore any issues in the future, he will expect me to sort at my expense as he does not acknowledge that it has been constructed to a standard he approves. I will flip the panels but my concern is that by doing so, I'm implicitly agreeing to the terms he is setting out. He has repeatedly threatened legal action and keeps making comments like "this will end very badly for you". I've since refrained from further face-to-face conversation. They are not productive. I've spent hours on Google and even phoned Myers in Burslem who couldn't believe that it has got this far. The solicitor said "it's a wooden fence and I charge 300 pound an hour". Anyone else dealt with something similar? Anyone legally qualified to advise? Feel free to PM. There's every chance this could escalate further. Get your home insurance documents out find your legal expenses helpline number and take proper advice! They will assist you with dealing with this! |
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Post by metalhead on Sept 17, 2023 12:10:04 GMT
Can't believe I'm having to post such a ridiculous thread but there we go. I'm currently in an informal dispute (no solicitors yet) with my neighbour over a fence and it seems to be escalating and getting worse. I approached the neighbour in question to explain my intentions to replace the entire fence, posts and gravel boards at my expense. He did raise some initial concerns over maintaining the same height which I said would not be a problem. He also said that it was his boundary to maintain but I said I was happy to pay regardless and he was satisfied that he was getting a free fence. I checked my Property Information Form which has it down as Shared as such I felt happy to proceed. I have reason to believe this is erroneous. A week later, the fence was replaced. He has since engaged in a letter writing campaign, hand delivering increasingly hostile and unreasonable letters, basically saying the work I've had done is unacceptable. He only hand delivers these letters when my partner and kids are home which they are finding uncomfortable. His most recent was delivered just as they were heading out to school. He has repeatedly shouted at the guys who were trying to do the work and went as far as parking his car in between their van and my house while they were trying to get on. When I try to have a sensible discussion with him, he tends to back down and see a bit more reason but as soon as the conversation concludes, he's back to trying to intimidate my family and shouting at the blokes. Again, this is only ever when I'm out the house and unable to intervene. The boundary on the title plan is denoted by inward Ts as his to maintain, but he had failed to do for 30 years, hence me taking it upon myself to offer. He has contested this in writing and claims there was nothing wrong with the timber and posts which were damaged but I've plenty of photos that show the fence looking pretty rough. I suppose that's just opinions really. His letters are mostly full of fabrications and made up nonsense like that I didn't approach him with my intentions (this was witnessed by several people including the workers) and that the fence was removed before he had any chance to say anything. Again, the fence was removed a full 7 days after. Most of this can be easily disproven. What he actually wants... is simply the smooth/front side. He wants me to flip the fence panels. I am quite happy to do this... It's a fucking fence. However he's also put in writing that he expects me to maintain the fence going forward in case of storm damage or weather damage. His argument is: I commissioned it, it's my job to maintain it entirely at my expense. Maintain it, but also give him the fronts? He'll have me painting his house at this rate... We've hit an impasse quite frankly. He has offered no contribution financially and I never expected one. I went round at one point and suggested that if he wants the fronts, he make a very small contribution but after waiting a few days for me to go back to work, he simply hand delivered yet another letter rejecting this proposal with increasingly hostile language. He has also put in writing that he has refused to inspect the posts, gravel boards and fence and therefore any issues in the future, he will expect me to sort at my expense as he does not acknowledge that it has been constructed to a standard he approves. I will flip the panels but my concern is that by doing so, I'm implicitly agreeing to the terms he is setting out. He has repeatedly threatened legal action and keeps making comments like "this will end very badly for you". I've since refrained from further face-to-face conversation. They are not productive. I've spent hours on Google and even phoned Myers in Burslem who couldn't believe that it has got this far. The solicitor said "it's a wooden fence and I charge 300 pound an hour". Anyone else dealt with something similar? Anyone legally qualified to advise? Feel free to PM. There's every chance this could escalate further. I don't quite understand when you say you're at an impasse? You say that your happy to flip the panels and I assume you always intended to maintain the fence yourself, so what is the specific issue that is currently causing the problem? I was happy to replace the fence this time. I was happy to flip the fence to make him go away. An expectation that I will maintain this solely for his benefit in perpetuity is unreasonable. Say a panel goes during winter. The letters will restart and then we're in very unpleasant territory. |
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Post by metalhead on Sept 17, 2023 12:10:28 GMT
Can't believe I'm having to post such a ridiculous thread but there we go. I'm currently in an informal dispute (no solicitors yet) with my neighbour over a fence and it seems to be escalating and getting worse. I approached the neighbour in question to explain my intentions to replace the entire fence, posts and gravel boards at my expense. He did raise some initial concerns over maintaining the same height which I said would not be a problem. He also said that it was his boundary to maintain but I said I was happy to pay regardless and he was satisfied that he was getting a free fence. I checked my Property Information Form which has it down as Shared as such I felt happy to proceed. I have reason to believe this is erroneous. A week later, the fence was replaced. He has since engaged in a letter writing campaign, hand delivering increasingly hostile and unreasonable letters, basically saying the work I've had done is unacceptable. He only hand delivers these letters when my partner and kids are home which they are finding uncomfortable. His most recent was delivered just as they were heading out to school. He has repeatedly shouted at the guys who were trying to do the work and went as far as parking his car in between their van and my house while they were trying to get on. When I try to have a sensible discussion with him, he tends to back down and see a bit more reason but as soon as the conversation concludes, he's back to trying to intimidate my family and shouting at the blokes. Again, this is only ever when I'm out the house and unable to intervene. The boundary on the title plan is denoted by inward Ts as his to maintain, but he had failed to do for 30 years, hence me taking it upon myself to offer. He has contested this in writing and claims there was nothing wrong with the timber and posts which were damaged but I've plenty of photos that show the fence looking pretty rough. I suppose that's just opinions really. His letters are mostly full of fabrications and made up nonsense like that I didn't approach him with my intentions (this was witnessed by several people including the workers) and that the fence was removed before he had any chance to say anything. Again, the fence was removed a full 7 days after. Most of this can be easily disproven. What he actually wants... is simply the smooth/front side. He wants me to flip the fence panels. I am quite happy to do this... It's a fucking fence. However he's also put in writing that he expects me to maintain the fence going forward in case of storm damage or weather damage. His argument is: I commissioned it, it's my job to maintain it entirely at my expense. Maintain it, but also give him the fronts? He'll have me painting his house at this rate... We've hit an impasse quite frankly. He has offered no contribution financially and I never expected one. I went round at one point and suggested that if he wants the fronts, he make a very small contribution but after waiting a few days for me to go back to work, he simply hand delivered yet another letter rejecting this proposal with increasingly hostile language. He has also put in writing that he has refused to inspect the posts, gravel boards and fence and therefore any issues in the future, he will expect me to sort at my expense as he does not acknowledge that it has been constructed to a standard he approves. I will flip the panels but my concern is that by doing so, I'm implicitly agreeing to the terms he is setting out. He has repeatedly threatened legal action and keeps making comments like "this will end very badly for you". I've since refrained from further face-to-face conversation. They are not productive. I've spent hours on Google and even phoned Myers in Burslem who couldn't believe that it has got this far. The solicitor said "it's a wooden fence and I charge 300 pound an hour". Anyone else dealt with something similar? Anyone legally qualified to advise? Feel free to PM. There's every chance this could escalate further. Get your home insurance documents out find your legal expenses helpline number and take proper advice! They will assist you with dealing with this! I'll give them a call tomorrow. |
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Post by Paul Spencer on Sept 17, 2023 12:12:48 GMT
I don't quite understand when you say you're at an impasse? You say that your happy to flip the panels and I assume you always intended to maintain the fence yourself, so what is the specific issue that is currently causing the problem? I was happy to replace the fence this time. I was happy to flip the fence to make him go away. An expectation that I will maintain this solely for his benefit in perpetuity is unreasonable. Say a panel goes during winter. The letters will restart and then we're in very unpleasant territory. So you always intended that you would share maintainence costs for the fence? Did he agree to this before you erected it? |
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Post by cvillestokie on Sept 17, 2023 12:14:54 GMT
Can't believe I'm having to post such a ridiculous thread but there we go. I'm currently in an informal dispute (no solicitors yet) with my neighbour over a fence and it seems to be escalating and getting worse. I approached the neighbour in question to explain my intentions to replace the entire fence, posts and gravel boards at my expense. He did raise some initial concerns over maintaining the same height which I said would not be a problem. He also said that it was his boundary to maintain but I said I was happy to pay regardless and he was satisfied that he was getting a free fence. I checked my Property Information Form which has it down as Shared as such I felt happy to proceed. I have reason to believe this is erroneous. A week later, the fence was replaced. He has since engaged in a letter writing campaign, hand delivering increasingly hostile and unreasonable letters, basically saying the work I've had done is unacceptable. He only hand delivers these letters when my partner and kids are home which they are finding uncomfortable. His most recent was delivered just as they were heading out to school. He has repeatedly shouted at the guys who were trying to do the work and went as far as parking his car in between their van and my house while they were trying to get on. When I try to have a sensible discussion with him, he tends to back down and see a bit more reason but as soon as the conversation concludes, he's back to trying to intimidate my family and shouting at the blokes. Again, this is only ever when I'm out the house and unable to intervene. The boundary on the title plan is denoted by inward Ts as his to maintain, but he had failed to do for 30 years, hence me taking it upon myself to offer. He has contested this in writing and claims there was nothing wrong with the timber and posts which were damaged but I've plenty of photos that show the fence looking pretty rough. I suppose that's just opinions really. His letters are mostly full of fabrications and made up nonsense like that I didn't approach him with my intentions (this was witnessed by several people including the workers) and that the fence was removed before he had any chance to say anything. Again, the fence was removed a full 7 days after. Most of this can be easily disproven. What he actually wants... is simply the smooth/front side. He wants me to flip the fence panels. I am quite happy to do this... It's a fucking fence. However he's also put in writing that he expects me to maintain the fence going forward in case of storm damage or weather damage. His argument is: I commissioned it, it's my job to maintain it entirely at my expense. Maintain it, but also give him the fronts? He'll have me painting his house at this rate... We've hit an impasse quite frankly. He has offered no contribution financially and I never expected one. I went round at one point and suggested that if he wants the fronts, he make a very small contribution but after waiting a few days for me to go back to work, he simply hand delivered yet another letter rejecting this proposal with increasingly hostile language. He has also put in writing that he has refused to inspect the posts, gravel boards and fence and therefore any issues in the future, he will expect me to sort at my expense as he does not acknowledge that it has been constructed to a standard he approves. I will flip the panels but my concern is that by doing so, I'm implicitly agreeing to the terms he is setting out. He has repeatedly threatened legal action and keeps making comments like "this will end very badly for you". I've since refrained from further face-to-face conversation. They are not productive. I've spent hours on Google and even phoned Myers in Burslem who couldn't believe that it has got this far. The solicitor said "it's a wooden fence and I charge 300 pound an hour". Anyone else dealt with something similar? Anyone legally qualified to advise? Feel free to PM. There's every chance this could escalate further. That sucks. Sorry to hear. Did you have any emails/letters regarding the work where he acknowledged you would be doing it? |
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Post by metalhead on Sept 17, 2023 12:16:17 GMT
I was happy to replace the fence this time. I was happy to flip the fence to make him go away. An expectation that I will maintain this solely for his benefit in perpetuity is unreasonable. Say a panel goes during winter. The letters will restart and then we're in very unpleasant territory. So you always intended that you would share maintainence costs for the fence? Did he agree to this before you erected it? No, but he didn't raise any concerns about wanting the front either? Nothing was agreed other than I would replace at my expense, which again, I have no issue with. If he doesn't want any involvement with the maintenance, then why should he benefit from the work I've paid for it by getting the front? |
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Post by metalhead on Sept 17, 2023 12:17:08 GMT
That sucks. Sorry to hear. Did you have any emails/letters regarding the work where he acknowledged you would be doing it? We initially agreed face to face. I never thought a letter would be required in this instance. Lesson learnt there... |
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Post by lordb on Sept 17, 2023 12:21:08 GMT
Sell up move
You will end up doing it anyway
cut out the years of strife just do it
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Post by metalhead on Sept 17, 2023 12:22:42 GMT
Sell up move You will end up doing it anyway cut out the years of strife just do it Already talked about it  |
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Post by Paul Spencer on Sept 17, 2023 12:33:07 GMT
So you always intended that you would share maintainence costs for the fence? Did he agree to this before you erected it? No, but he didn't raise any concerns about wanting the front either? Nothing was agreed other than I would replace at my expense, which again, I have no issue with. If he doesn't want any involvement with the maintenance, then why should he benefit from the work I've paid for it by getting the front? Because you really should have established that before you erected it. So in your mind, you always believed that if he got the fronts then you would share the maintenance but if you got the fronts then you would be solely responsible for the maintenance? But you didn't actually discuss this with him? It seems like a pretty fundamental thing to have agreed upon, prior to erecting the fence, rather than bringing it up now. What side were the fronts on on the original fence? |
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Post by iglugluk on Sept 17, 2023 13:00:36 GMT
Do you have legal protection cover on your building and contents insurance? Yes. Should give you access to free legal assistance for issues like this |
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Post by aureliuspotter on Sept 17, 2023 13:12:05 GMT
Can't believe I'm having to post such a ridiculous thread but there we go. I'm currently in an informal dispute (no solicitors yet) with my neighbour over a fence and it seems to be escalating and getting worse. I approached the neighbour in question to explain my intentions to replace the entire fence, posts and gravel boards at my expense. He did raise some initial concerns over maintaining the same height which I said would not be a problem. He also said that it was his boundary to maintain but I said I was happy to pay regardless and he was satisfied that he was getting a free fence. I checked my Property Information Form which has it down as Shared as such I felt happy to proceed. I have reason to believe this is erroneous. A week later, the fence was replaced. He has since engaged in a letter writing campaign, hand delivering increasingly hostile and unreasonable letters, basically saying the work I've had done is unacceptable. He only hand delivers these letters when my partner and kids are home which they are finding uncomfortable. His most recent was delivered just as they were heading out to school. He has repeatedly shouted at the guys who were trying to do the work and went as far as parking his car in between their van and my house while they were trying to get on. When I try to have a sensible discussion with him, he tends to back down and see a bit more reason but as soon as the conversation concludes, he's back to trying to intimidate my family and shouting at the blokes. Again, this is only ever when I'm out the house and unable to intervene. The boundary on the title plan is denoted by inward Ts as his to maintain, but he had failed to do for 30 years, hence me taking it upon myself to offer. He has contested this in writing and claims there was nothing wrong with the timber and posts which were damaged but I've plenty of photos that show the fence looking pretty rough. I suppose that's just opinions really. His letters are mostly full of fabrications and made up nonsense like that I didn't approach him with my intentions (this was witnessed by several people including the workers) and that the fence was removed before he had any chance to say anything. Again, the fence was removed a full 7 days after. Most of this can be easily disproven. What he actually wants... is simply the smooth/front side. He wants me to flip the fence panels. I am quite happy to do this... It's a fucking fence. However he's also put in writing that he expects me to maintain the fence going forward in case of storm damage or weather damage. His argument is: I commissioned it, it's my job to maintain it entirely at my expense. Maintain it, but also give him the fronts? He'll have me painting his house at this rate... We've hit an impasse quite frankly. He has offered no contribution financially and I never expected one. I went round at one point and suggested that if he wants the fronts, he make a very small contribution but after waiting a few days for me to go back to work, he simply hand delivered yet another letter rejecting this proposal with increasingly hostile language. He has also put in writing that he has refused to inspect the posts, gravel boards and fence and therefore any issues in the future, he will expect me to sort at my expense as he does not acknowledge that it has been constructed to a standard he approves. I will flip the panels but my concern is that by doing so, I'm implicitly agreeing to the terms he is setting out. He has repeatedly threatened legal action and keeps making comments like "this will end very badly for you". I've since refrained from further face-to-face conversation. They are not productive. I've spent hours on Google and even phoned Myers in Burslem who couldn't believe that it has got this far. The solicitor said "it's a wooden fence and I charge 300 pound an hour". Anyone else dealt with something similar? Anyone legally qualified to advise? Feel free to PM. There's every chance this could escalate further. Don't flip the fence on principle. |
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Post by foster on Sept 17, 2023 13:12:26 GMT
Sell up move You will end up doing it anyway cut out the years of strife just do it Already talked about it If you do then take the fence with you. |
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Post by noustie on Sept 17, 2023 13:41:08 GMT
Massive shit in an envelope with insufficient postage on it so he gets a card through the door and has to pay a quid at the post office pick it up.
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Post by salopstick on Sept 17, 2023 13:45:44 GMT
Don’t flip the panels.
Take the letters to your solicitor get her to write to him if the harassment does not stop you go to the police
Or fill him in
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Post by musik on Sept 17, 2023 13:52:15 GMT
A fence between yours and his/theirs?
He shall pay 50% for it.
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