Fence used as a Washing Line!

[lewlou]

When we first moved into our property the original fence was made up of old doors, bits of fence, perspex and other random pieces of household waste.

Some fence posts were okay and others we replaced and we put in a new fence even though we didn't know who's resposibility it should have been to replace this.

The problem we have now is that the neighbours think it is a good idea to use it as a washing line and constantly hang sheets and other items over it even though they have a line. This looks awful and is an eyesore for us and anyone visiting us. Am i able to paint the top in black anti theft paint or tar to discourage this or is there anything else i can do?

[Lakitu]

Can't you just ask them to stop? If you don't want to do that or they refuse to, 'accidentally' spill something on your side of the sheet. Something that will wash easily but enough to make them not do it again.

[woofgang]

Its probably not the most tactful approach to tell them that its an eyesore although it probably is lol. The fence is yours and you can ask your neighbours not to hang things on it....suggest if you have kids or pets you might use them as an excuse....I don't think that the anti theft paint is a good idea as a first solution although if you can't get anywhere with them you might want to let them know that you are painting the top of the fence with it to deter vandals.

When you come to sell your house, you may be asked about disagreements with neighbours so its in your interest to keep it friendly if you can!

[B00]

The pets idea is a good one, I'd tell them you've seen cats using it (the washing) to sit on whilst sunbathing.

Incidently, why on earth would anyone use a fence to dry washing when they have a line? What is wrong with people? LOL

[Lakitu]

What is it with people unwilling to just talk to other people and skirting around issues?

Why is approaching them and saying it's an eyesore not appropriate?? It's the truth!

[B00]

Yes it may be the truth Lakitu- but if there's a way of saying something to your neighbours without them taking offence (heh, taking offence- geddit?) then that's the way to go.

Falling out with people who you have to live next door can make living there very uncomfotable.

[Lakitu]

It doesn't need to be done in a way that they would take offence (hehe) though. They're going to figure out pretty quick that the pets using it is a lie since they haven't had cat hair all over it previously....

[natalie_1982]

Wet sheets can be pretty heavy and may well being to pull the fence poles / damage them, if you put the fence up then I'd suggest saying that you ask them nicely not to put their washing up there because it's damaging it. Why not find out who's responsibility the fencing is as that might have more weight then. If they turn round and say "It's our fence buddy we'll hang our washing where we like", then there's not really much else you could do.
You could always decide to get into pigeon racing and ensure their washing is covered in poo.

Sorry if that post was a bit muddled, I haven;'t been up long and had very little sleep so it mightn't make sense! Either way, I think it's best to talk to your neighbours first, then get pigeons after.

[shylock73]

Surely this post should be in `Law` category for a complete answer from an expert ABer, try again.

[EngTeach]

lewlou,

Try talking to them. Where I live, people hang their underwear on the balcony rail. IN FRONT OF THEIR HOMES!!! So evry time i go out I am greeted by my neighbor's bloomers. They also are known to run a line fron their railing to the telephone pole to hang things on. This line then is across the walking area.!!!! Apparently this is common paractice in the many diverse countries my neighbors are from.

Just ranting.

[flowertots10]

can i tie a washing line 2 my neighbours fence post?

[flowertots10]

can i tie a washing line to my neighbours fence post?