People never cease to amaze me.

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BikerGran · #1 Post by **BikerGran** » Thu Dec 03, 2015 4:03 pm

We (my sister and I) had a letter from my late brother's neighbours asking us to do something about his fence that was blown down, as their dogs were getting out.

It was his funeral on Monday, which they came to - and as I stood on the church porch thanking people for coming - she tackled me about the damn fence!!!!! At his funeral!

Unbelievable.

I thought I'd share with you the letter I sent (I fully expect a comeback from them so I'm keeping in reserve the legal situation, which is that there is no obligation to fence one's garden other than to keep one's livestock in).

Dear Sir,

I am sorry to hear that you are having problems with your dogs as a result of Peter’s fence blowing down, but my sister and I are currently unable to make any changes to the property as we are not yet technically the owners.

It’s rather doubtful that we will wish to replace the fence in any case, as the house will almost certainly be sold and the new owners may have their own ideas.

In these circumstances, and if you are concerned about your animals escaping, I suggest you may wish to erect your own fence within the boundary of your property.

Although we currently have no authority, I’m sure that if you or your agents need to access Peter’s garden while erecting your fence, that this will not be a problem.

Yours faithfully

I'm rather pleased with it.

T.C. · #2 Post by **T.C.** » Thu Dec 03, 2015 4:36 pm

Says it all really

Aladinsaneuk · #3 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Thu Dec 03, 2015 6:35 pm

I would have cautioned them that they are responsible for controlling their dogs from not entering your late brother's grounds

They are responsible after all

randomsquid · #4 Post by **randomsquid** » Thu Dec 03, 2015 7:30 pm

Some folk are just shitbags.

Some low life that my Gran used to work with decided that her funeral was the right time to ask if I'd decided what I was doing with her car.

To be fair she did as I asked and fucked right off.

fatboy · #5 Post by **fatboy** » Thu Dec 03, 2015 7:34 pm

I think they need therapy, and something that resembles a life.
Your response was concise and diplomatic, I take my hat off to you.
There is no way I would have managed to be so tactful

BikerGran · #6 Post by **BikerGran** » Thu Dec 03, 2015 9:37 pm

My original reply was very much less tactful, but my sister reminded me that as we will be selling the house we have to bear in mind that by law, when selling property you have to reveal any disputes with neighbours.

I still think that unless they are incredibly thick, the fuck off message should get through loud and clear!

squadron Nero · #7 Post by **squadron Nero** » Thu Dec 03, 2015 10:40 pm

You've done the right thing.

I'm pretty sure dividing fences comes down to the responsibility of the house on the left when in a terrace or semi detached. I looked it up about 18 months ago as my neighbour wanted me to pay for a new fence but I can't properly remember what it all said. If that's the case it may be their responsibility anyway.

Sorry for your loss BikerGran.

Aladinsaneuk · #8 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Fri Dec 04, 2015 6:47 am

i think it is on the deeds - the on the left thing iirc comes from council properties ....

on our deeds, we have an old set of fence posts, and as my neighbour is still housing association, that is the border..... and the actual fence that is on my side of the posts is therefore my responsibility.....

flatlander · #9 Post by **flatlander** » Fri Dec 04, 2015 8:37 am

Generally as far as I am aware you are not obliged to put a fence or leave one there there may be variations but these would be noted on the deeds or land registry. Agree with Pete (Alad) that the left thing is a guide anyway as is which way the panels are facing.
The only thing is whether the fence causes any breach or damage in ither ways. I have considered putting one up with shit colours smeared on the neighbours side but decided to move instead.
As far as disputes go it is only if it is between the properties not the individuals as far as I am aware.

D-Rider · #10 Post by **D-Rider** » Fri Dec 04, 2015 8:40 am

.... and provided that the fence has been put up properly, the fence posts are towards the property that owns the fence with the fence itself running along the boundary.
Of course, not all fences are like that - the one I've put up has those slotted concrete posts where the panels slot between.

.... and as for insensitive neighbours (with or without their own problems) I guess it gives you something to smile at regarding the day .... at least when you remember that masterfully crafted letter!

BikerGran · #11 Post by **BikerGran** » Fri Dec 04, 2015 5:30 pm

Oh yes the letter makes me chuckle every time I re-read it!

I'm saving the legal situation for when I get a comeback from them - it may indeed be Peter's boundary but there is no legal obligation to fence your property unless to keep your livestock in!

If I have to inform them of that my grin will get even bigger!

Dusty · #12 Post by **Dusty** » Sun Dec 06, 2015 8:23 am

My condolences to you, BG. I can imagine what the first draft was like in these circumstances. Your sister is wise indeed; as others have said, cracking letter!

BikerGran · #13 Post by **BikerGran** » Sun Dec 06, 2015 12:12 pm

Oh yes, the first draft was a one-liner!

fatboy · #14 Post by **fatboy** » Sun Dec 06, 2015 6:22 pm

BikerGran wrote:Oh yes, the first draft was a one-liner!