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Post by mom26 on Jun 12, 2017 5:39:14 GMT
We had a massive storm blow through earlier and part of the neighbor's fence - which has been leaning towards their side for months and we were sure it would fall on their side - fell down on OUR side. Smashed 4 ornamental hedges that are part of a 2-year landscape project. Grrr.  Normally, I'd be all weather shit happens, repair/rescue and move on, but this the THIRD time that stupid fence has fallen. Every time, they piece it back together with crappy pieces of 2x4. One time a section fell, they planted new posts (complete with concrete) a full foot and half over the property line into our yard. Luckily, we noticed it before the concrete set so were able to pull the posts, but WTH? To connect it with the remaining fence, it would have been this weird, humpback eyesore. Not to mention eating into our back yard. Seriously, who does that? We've talked to them several times about going 1/2 &1/2 on a new fence but they always decline. We can't put up a new fence on our own because we'd need their permission to rip out their fence in order to put a new one on the property line. They won't agree to that, either. Again, WTH? Who would say no to a (free to them) ) new fence to replace a pieced together eyesore? These people are seriously attached to this fence, is all I can think. I'm going to be on pins and needles about what damage they are going to do to our fence line landscaping when they do their 'fix' to this fence this go 'round. DH and I have busted ass for 2 years on the backyard landscaping that runs along the fence (in part to hide the hideousness of it) and if it gets trampled on and damaged, I will be one major unhappy woman. I may even need bail money.  Sometimes, I just do not get people.  |
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jun 12, 2017 10:23:19 GMT
I'm going to be on pins and needles about what damage they are going to do to our fence line landscaping when they do their 'fix' to this fence this go 'round. I would be taking photos of the whole fence-line area right now. Take photos of your hedges. Make notes of how much it has cost you thus far to plant and maintain them. I'm so sorry you are dealing with inconsiderate neighbors. |
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Post by freecharlie on Jun 12, 2017 11:40:27 GMT
Can you file a claim against their insurance for the hedges?
If that is legal (and it doesn't hit your insurance, I'd tell them that is what you are going to do unless a new fence is properly put in.
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Post by Really Red on Jun 12, 2017 11:45:39 GMT
Can' you put up a fence right next to theirs? I know a lot of people who have done this.
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scrapaddie
Drama Llama
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Post by scrapaddie on Jun 12, 2017 11:53:03 GMT
You could sue them for the damages. Get pictures!!
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Post by mom on Jun 12, 2017 11:56:18 GMT
Can' you put up a fence right next to theirs? I know a lot of people who have done this. yeah this is what is standard in my area if you cant work with your neighbors. |
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Post by mikklynn on Jun 12, 2017 12:13:42 GMT
This would drive me over the edge. Keep us posted!
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Post by originalvanillabean on Jun 12, 2017 12:17:37 GMT
Photos and Document Document.
I'm so sorry you are dealing with this.
It's frustrating when you are trying to do the right thing.
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Deleted
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Aug 18, 2025 21:42:22 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 12, 2017 12:27:06 GMT
Is there some type of ornamental "frame" you can put up in the area that will keep their fence from falling over on your landscaping? I know it sucks but you don't know what their money situation is and maybe they are just trying to get by during their tough times.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jun 12, 2017 13:52:58 GMT
I'm sorry your hedges were smashed. It's hard having neighbors who are weird about their fences. We've had to deal with them on both sides of us for 26 years now. Since this is the third time the fence has fallen it is apparent that they either can't afford, or won't for some other reason, to replace the fence. It is up to you to be proactive now. You can put up your own fence just inside the fence line, or continue to replace plants periodically when their fence falls once again. We've talked to them several times about going 1/2 &1/2 on a new fence but they always decline. We can't put up a new fence on our own because we'd need their permission to rip out their fence in order to put a new one on the property line. They won't agree to that, either. Again, WTH? Who would say no to a (free to them) ) new fence to replace a pieced together eyesore? If they have to pay half of the new fence, then it isn't free to them. |
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PrettyInPeank
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by PrettyInPeank on Jun 12, 2017 14:02:12 GMT
Call your city. I'm pretty sure if the fence falls down and you replace it, you can send them the bill for half, legally. Of course it has to be a basic replacement fence; it would be silly to build some fancy wall and expect them to pay for it.  |
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Post by mom26 on Jun 12, 2017 14:08:43 GMT
Can you file a claim against their insurance for the hedges? If that is legal (and it doesn't hit your insurance, I'd tell them that is what you are going to do unless a new fence is properly put in. It would be less than our deductible, otherwise we would consider it. Can' you put up a fence right next to theirs? I know a lot of people who have done this. That's not really advisable as as it 'moves' your property line. We have thought about it, though. Is there some type of ornamental "frame" you can put up in the area that will keep their fence from falling over on your landscaping? I know it sucks but you don't know what their money situation is and maybe they are just trying to get by during their tough times. That's not a bad idea. I'll run it past DH. Thanks! |
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Post by crazy4scraps on Jun 12, 2017 14:09:25 GMT
I'd contact my home owner's insurance agent and ask them what to do. I'm sure they wouldn't recommend filing a claim if there's a way to get the other people or their insurance to pay. We've had our own trees come down on our property but never on our neighbors or vice versa, but I would think if your insurance company has to pay out and there is a way they can go after the neighbors to recover for your loss, that's how it would go down if you can't get the neighbors to cover it directly.
ETA: Around here you can't build anything directly on the property line. I think any structure has to be at least 8-12" from it on your own side (not sure exactly how far away, depends on the city and specific building codes) and you also have to maintain the strip on the other side. It doesn't 'move' the property line, but it would decrease the amount of usable space inside your fenced yard.
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Post by mom26 on Jun 12, 2017 14:12:57 GMT
I'm sorry your hedges were smashed. It's hard having neighbors who are weird about their fences. We've had to deal with them on both sides of us for 26 years now. Since this is the third time the fence has fallen it is apparent that they either can't afford, or won't for some other reason, to replace the fence. It is up to you to be proactive now. You can put up your own fence just inside the fence line, or continue to replace plants periodically when their fence falls once again. We've talked to them several times about going 1/2 &1/2 on a new fence but they always decline. We can't put up a new fence on our own because we'd need their permission to rip out their fence in order to put a new one on the property line. They won't agree to that, either.
Again, WTH? Who would say no to a (free to them) ) new fence to replace a pieced together eyesore? If they have to pay half of the new fence, then it isn't free to them. We've discussed 2 options with them - 1) split the cost and 2) rip the whole thing down and DH and I will put up a new one, totally on us. They have declined both options. It's weird. |
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Post by mom26 on Jun 12, 2017 14:14:33 GMT
Thanks for all the replies, RPs. We have definitely taken pictures. LOTS of them. I'll let you all know what ends up happening. We're going to try and talk to them again today, so wish us luck that we can come to some kind of agreement on this blasted fence.
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PrettyInPeank
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by PrettyInPeank on Jun 12, 2017 14:20:19 GMT
I'm curious why you refer to it as their fence and not your fence, as in your shared fence?
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Post by jenjie on Jun 12, 2017 14:23:58 GMT
I'm sorry your hedges were smashed. It's hard having neighbors who are weird about their fences. We've had to deal with them on both sides of us for 26 years now. Since this is the third time the fence has fallen it is apparent that they either can't afford, or won't for some other reason, to replace the fence. It is up to you to be proactive now. You can put up your own fence just inside the fence line, or continue to replace plants periodically when their fence falls once again. We've talked to them several times about going 1/2 &1/2 on a new fence but they always decline. We can't put up a new fence on our own because we'd need their permission to rip out their fence in order to put a new one on the property line. They won't agree to that, either. Again, WTH? Who would say no to a (free to them) ) new fence to replace a pieced together eyesore? If they have to pay half of the new fence, then it isn't free to them. [ From what you quoted - "We can't put up a new fence on our own because we'd need their permission to rip out their fence in order to put a new one on the property line. They won't agree to that, either. " I'm sorry OP. What a dilemma. We have the separate fences thing here. It looks so stupid. We have chain link. Two connecting neighbors behind us. One has pvc, one has stockade. I don't get it. (Ours was there first) |
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Post by mom26 on Jun 12, 2017 14:42:02 GMT
I'm curious why you refer to it as their fence and not your fence, as in your shared fence? Our subdivision was built in the 70s and originally had no fences. The accepted arrangement way back then was that each homeowner put up fence on one side and that became 'their' fence. For example, we put up the south fence, our neighbor to the north put up the north side fence and the neighbors behind us (with the raggedy fence) put up the east side fence. A few years back, when the fence belonging to the neighbors to the north started becoming unstable, we worked together to put up a new one with each contributing half the cost. That is now considered a shared fence and we both maintain it. We have replaced the south side fence once and are planning on needing to do it again in the near future. We have a new neighbor on that side and haven't discussed it with her yet as to whether she wants to go halves or not. No big deal, as that is 'our' fence and replacing it as we see fit shouldn't be a problem. The neighbors to the east own that fence and just do not want to replace it under any arrangement and we can't force them to. |
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PrettyInPeank
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Post by PrettyInPeank on Jun 12, 2017 14:50:54 GMT
When you say accepted arrangement, do you mean it's just kinda what was agreed upon? Were these city laws, or an HOA thing, or just "this seems most fair" kinda thing? I ask because what was done in the 70s for initial installment just doesn't work for long-term maintenance. I'm really, really curious what the laws are for your city regarding the fence. This may be a non-issue if the law is on your side.
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bethany102399
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Post by bethany102399 on Jun 12, 2017 14:53:51 GMT
I guess I'm not understanding why you can't just replace the fence. We're going to have to do that with our uncooperative neighbor on one side. The one who mows the yard once a MONTH and whose dog has escaped enough times someone called animal control. Then again, we're using the existing posts as those haven't rotted. She refuses to answer the door whenever anyone knocks so they're getting a note that says we're replacing on x date and to keep her dog inside.
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gloryjoy
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Post by gloryjoy on Jun 12, 2017 15:05:37 GMT
I guess I'm not understanding why you can't just replace the fence. We're going to have to do that with our uncooperative neighbor on one side. The one who mows the yard once a MONTH and whose dog has escaped enough times someone called animal control. Then again, we're using the existing posts as those haven't rotted. She refuses to answer the door whenever anyone knocks so they're getting a note that says we're replacing on x date and to keep her dog inside. I agree, I would just be replacing the fence,and if I had to put it up right next to their fence because they won't let you on their property, then that is what I would do. A fence is what, 4" wide at most? so you would maybe lose 4" of your property. Unless I am misunderstanding. |
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Post by blondiec47 on Jun 12, 2017 15:09:01 GMT
Can' you put up a fence right next to theirs? I know a lot of people who have done this. I was going to say the same--Can you put a fence like 6 inches from the property line--it's totally on your property so would you still need their approval? |
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Post by myshelly on Jun 12, 2017 15:14:31 GMT
When you say accepted arrangement, do you mean it's just kinda what was agreed upon? Were these city laws, or an HOA thing, or just "this seems most fair" kinda thing? I ask because what was done in the 70s for initial installment just doesn't work for long-term maintenance. I'm really, really curious what the laws are for your city regarding the fence. This may be a non-issue if the law is on your side. I totally agree. OP, you keep saying that's the way it's done, but it makes no sense to me. Never mind what's always been done (who cares) and go read the actual, applicable LAW, whether that means HOA covenants, city code, and/or state law. It's time to get something done and it makes NO sense that something on the property line doesn't belong to BOTH property owners. |
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Post by freecharlie on Jun 12, 2017 15:18:56 GMT
Can you file a claim against their insurance for the hedges? If that is legal (and it doesn't hit your insurance, I'd tell them that is what you are going to do unless a new fence is properly put in. It would be less than our deductible, otherwise we would consider it. Can' you put up a fence right next to theirs? I know a lot of people who have done this. That's not really advisable as as it 'moves' your property line. We have thought about it, though. Is there some type of ornamental "frame" you can put up in the area that will keep their fence from falling over on your landscaping? I know it sucks but you don't know what their money situation is and maybe they are just trying to get by during their tough times. That's not a bad idea. I'll run it past DH. Thanks! I meant against their insurance, not yours since it was their fence, but I do know that some don't cover acts of nature. |
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Country Ham
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Post by Country Ham on Jun 12, 2017 15:29:26 GMT
I have a fence, but no one around here puts fences right on property lines. It might be just our town by laws but fences are put up a few feet inside your property line. No shared fences. Plus my neighbors landscaping is also a few feet inside their property line. My fence would have to blow down,be torn away and then blown into their bushes. Have you spoken to your insurance company? Is there that much damage?
I assume you are following local bylaws for landscaping etc so you are within your right to plant hedges where you are, but you are also accepting a risk of this very thing happening with storms etc. I am talking about the emotional impact of having plants destroyed that you care for and put work in to no matter the fault. Will they not grow back into shape at least? (pretty clueless)
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Post by mom26 on Jun 12, 2017 15:40:58 GMT
When you say accepted arrangement, do you mean it's just kinda what was agreed upon? Were these city laws, or an HOA thing, or just "this seems most fair" kinda thing? I ask because what was done in the 70s for initial installment just doesn't work for long-term maintenance. I'm really, really curious what the laws are for your city regarding the fence. This may be a non-issue if the law is on your side. At the time, it was an HOA thing. The reasoning was that paying 100% for one side of fence was less expensive than paying 1/2 of three sides of fencing. As far as I know, the rest of the sub has gone to shared fencing. These neighbors are holdouts for some reason. As for the laws, we've been told it's their fence and we can't touch it without their permission. I guess I'm not understanding why you can't just replace the fence. We're going to have to do that with our uncooperative neighbor on one side. The one who mows the yard once a MONTH and whose dog has escaped enough times someone called animal control. Then again, we're using the existing posts as those haven't rotted. She refuses to answer the door whenever anyone knocks so they're getting a note that says we're replacing on x date and to keep her dog inside. I agree, I would just be replacing the fence,and if I had to put it up right next to their fence because they won't let you on their property, then that is what I would do. A fence is what, 4" wide at most? so you would maybe lose 4" of your property. Unless I am misunderstanding. Because of the way they poured the footers (over a foot wide) and the stacked pieces of 2x4s they've used to repair it over the years we'd have to come in more than a foot. Even if we were willing, there is an unfortunately located tree that prevents that. |
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happymomma
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Post by happymomma on Jun 12, 2017 15:41:01 GMT
I wonder if they'd agree to you putting up a totally new fence if you started sending them a bill for everything that is damaged each time their crappy fence falls in and ruins your landscaping?
Otherwise, I'd put a new fence taller than theirs and backing up to their old one, even if it did mean giving up a few inches of your yard? It seems like that would be less aggravating to you in the long run.
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PrettyInPeank
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Post by PrettyInPeank on Jun 12, 2017 15:49:21 GMT
When you say accepted arrangement, do you mean it's just kinda what was agreed upon? Were these city laws, or an HOA thing, or just "this seems most fair" kinda thing? I ask because what was done in the 70s for initial installment just doesn't work for long-term maintenance. I'm really, really curious what the laws are for your city regarding the fence. This may be a non-issue if the law is on your side. At the time, it was an HOA thing. The reasoning was that paying 100% for one side of fence was less expensive than paying 1/2 of three sides of fencing. As far as I know, the rest of the sub has gone to shared fencing. These neighbors are holdouts for some reason. As for the laws, we've been told it's their fence and we can't touch it without their permission. I agree, I would just be replacing the fence,and if I had to put it up right next to their fence because they won't let you on their property, then that is what I would do. A fence is what, 4" wide at most? so you would maybe lose 4" of your property. Unless I am misunderstanding. Because of the way they poured the footers (over a foot wide) and the stacked pieces of 2x4s they've used to repair it over the years we'd have to come in more than a foot. Even if we were willing, there is an unfortunately located tree that prevents that. OHHH, that is why they are holding out. They like having 100% control. The moment you pay half, they lose control. It's worth it to them (for some odd reason). When you say, "we've been told we can't touch the fence," who told you? |
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Post by cade387 on Jun 12, 2017 15:52:28 GMT
I would think you could take them to small claim's court at a minimum
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Post by mom26 on Jun 12, 2017 15:53:33 GMT
I have a fence, but no one around here puts fences right on property lines. It might be just our town by laws but fences are put up a few feet inside your property line. No shared fences. Plus my neighbors landscaping is also a few feet inside their property line. My fence would have to blow down,be torn away and then blown into their bushes. Have you spoken to your insurance company? Is there that much damage? I assume you are following local bylaws for landscaping etc so you are within your right to plant hedges where you are, but you are also accepting a risk of this very thing happening with storms etc. I am talking about the emotional impact of having plants destroyed that you care for and put work in to no matter the fault. Will they not grow back into shape at least? (pretty clueless) It's a 6' tall fence so I'd have to come in more than that to avoid crushing by a fallen fence. That's a lot of backyard to effectively lose. As for the hedges, 2 have some damage, but they should recover well enough. I'm just going to consider it nature's pruning. The other two, I'm not so sure. It's not the end of the world, just frustrating. It's hard to get plants to thrive here and after many, MANY attempts over the years, we finally had success and it was looking really beautiful. |
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