Garden Fence Panel Protruding

[Treacle71]

Our neighbours, who rent the property next door, have stacked their building materials right up against one of our fence panels, causing it to bow and protrude into our garden. The weight of the materials is putting immense pressure on the panel, and I fear that it's only a matter of time before it gives way and collapses. This is especially worrying, given that we've already had to replace two fence panels this year due to storm damage, and I can’t afford to pay for another one, especially just before Christmas.

I'm hesitant to approach my neighbours about the issue, as I don't want to cause any unnecessary tension or conflict. However, I feel that it's essential to address the problem before it becomes a more significant issue. I've noticed that two of the neighbours are builders/plumbers, so I'm hoping that they will understand the gravity of the situation and take steps to rectify it. I'm wondering if I should try to have a friendly conversation with them, explaining my concerns and asking if they could move their materials away from our fence. Perhaps they're not even aware of the potential damage they're causing, and a polite conversation could resolve the issue amicably?  The fence is our responsibility, as stated in the deeds.

I want to resolve the issue without causing any unnecessary conflict or tension. Should I try to talk to my neighbours directly, or is there a better way to handle the situation?

[newmodarmy]

Yes talk to them politely. I can't imagine what other options you are thinking may be worth considering. 

[Treacle71]

I'll try to, thanks, newmodarmy.  It's just that they have a load of stuff propped against it.  I've taken a pic of it for future reference, if needed. 

[naomi24]

If you don't speak to them they're never going to be aware that you have a problem.  

[newmodarmy]

You could always show them a picture from your side when you raise it politely with them. 

[Treacle71]

Yes, that's true, newmodarmy.  I'll try.  Just that not many of them there speak English.

 

[newmodarmy]

Are these the same ones that leant a roll of carpet on the fence last year? 

[johnk]

If they are renting why do they need building materials?

[Treacle71]

Yes, the carpet ones.

[barry1010]

Speak to them, if they don't sort it out contact the landlord.

On a positive note, it might have prevented more damage during this weekend's storms

[naomi24]

Are they the neighbours who had builders in a little while ago?

[barry1010]

The ones with the shisha pipes that cook foreign food, that's the ones, Naomi 

[newmodarmy]

Are they also the ones you had issues with about parking, emptying their pool into your garden and smoking shisha pipes?

[Treacle71]

Yes, that's true barry.  No naomi it's the other side neighbours now (we're terraced).

[barry1010]

Are these party fences, so you and your neighbour are equally responsible for the fence?

It's unusual for a terraced property to be soley responsible for the fences on both sides of the garden

[Treacle71]

It's cos it's on the left when you go out of the back door and it is stated on the deeds as such.  

[barry1010]

But you were concerned about your fence on the other side a while ago. 

[Treacle71]

Nope, no issue with the other side fence.  Thank goodness....phew.

[Old_Geezer]

If in a terrace it won't be unusual for some to have responsibility for fences on both sides.

 

I have an end terrace and knew I was responsible for the fence running along the access way for one side, as it couldn't be anyone else. But when the other side started to need repairs it was only then that I noticed the far end was actually fixed to a post right in front of my shed at the far end, so that had to be mine too.

 

Just to make things really weird, the guy living in the other end of the terrace at the time was a handyman and I paid him to fix my fence; it turns out he had responsibility for two fences at his end too !

[bednobs]

"Should I try to talk to my neighbours directly, or is there a better way to handle the situation?"

well you could always try transmitting your thoughts directly to their brains. if you rub two thumbs on your forehead in a clockwise manner at the same time, i heard it increases the efficacy.

alternatively you could moan about it on a random website and hope they are contributors?

[Treacle71]

Here's hopin' bednobs.