rights

[higgins98]

I dont get on with my neighbours on one side my neigbour Mr b has erected a fence with a climing plant which has now grown over and is causing a nusiance do I have any say as to how he should tend to this matter on the other side is Mr a who has been hasling me to paint his side of the fence which was erected in my garden before I moved in Do I have to paint his side even though the fence is in my garden very depressed at the moment please help

[woofgang]

You may cut off any part of the climbing plant which is over your side of the fence, but you must return any clippings to the owner.

You don't have to paint the fence the other side but I think that you have to give reasonable access to the fences owner for them to do it.

From your post it sounds like the problems may not be entirely to do with fences and plants. Are you on your own, is there someone you could talk to ? (maybe Samaritans if you have no one else) if your neighbours really are being difficult, it might be worth contacting your local council or CAB to see if there is a local mediation service. I don't know your circs but its not usually a good idea to be in major disagreement with your neighbours

[Hammer]

Agree with Woofgang about the climbing plants. You can cut them back yourself up to the boundary, but must offer the clippings back.

As for the fence, if it is your fence entirely on your property, which it sounds like from your post, then you are not obliged to paint it. However, I agree with Woofgang that it is not usually a good idea to get into neighbourly disputes. How about allowing Mr A to paint it himself, even though it is your property and you don't have to, while pointing out to him how reasonable you are being in letting him do so?

[ewand]

Alternatively, tell him you would like to paint it bright yellow with pink spots, unless he has any better ideas!!!

[Octavius]

higgins, you are not alone.  I have just had my first unhappy encounter with my neighbour (even though I have lived there for 4 years).  I want to replace a crappy run down fence as it makes my house unsecure and gives no privacy.  My fence, but neighbour is being very obnoxious about access rights and said she will sue if there is any damage to her property or her 'rights'.  I'm sorry I haven't answered your question, but you are not alone.  I feel miserable also.

[mullein]

to octavious..you should be able to put a new fence up without trespassing on your neighbours property. i had a fence put up a 6 foot one as their was only a wire one when i moved in, and it was put up without going on the neighbours side, and as for higgins question well your neighbour only wants you to paint his fence to preserve it for him tell him he can come round and do it himself he is having a laugh,why should you buy paint for his fence he must think you  are weak and he can manipulate you, as for the plant i hate cutting plants  cant you just push it back over so it climbs back over his side.  mullein

[little_miss]

firstly, i agree with most of what has been said. However i think you should approach your neighbour first and tell him the plant is hanging over your side. he may not know and he may be more than willing to help. give him a chance. If he isn't helpful, cut everything on your side of the fence down and throw it on to his garden. thats what i did with my neighbours. also, if i was you i would get your other fence sorted. if you maintain it well then it will hopefully last a bit longer  and you won't have to replace it when it's become unsightly and rotten. if you rent the house it is up to your andlord to deal with these problems, not you.

don't be sad! it will be ok