Problem Neighbour

piratefairy

Hi there, I'm lookign for some advice as to what to do about my next door neighbour.

I live in an apartment block, there are 4 flats on my corridor, I moved in last Dec and although I have seen all of the other residents in the lift, corridor etc, due to the hours I work, I have never had a chance to introduce myself etc.

Every night for the last 9 nights, my next door neighbour has left a black bin bag of her rubbish outside her door, blocking mine somewhat. It really smells awful, so I can only assume it is the same one or two bags, as surely someone wouldn't produce a bin liner full every day (I am aware she lives on her own).

I don't know what to do, I work two jobs, meaning I am in the office 8am-5pm, then work in a bar from 6pm till at least 11.30, and after a half hour walk home, this is in my opinion too late to knock on her door to complain.
However, it is really annoying me, it seriously stinks - and I can smell it from inside my hall, and I certainly don't want rats or mice in my flat, as it is close by. Also, if I have visitors, I wouldn't want them to have to step over this idiot's rubbish. What can I do?? I don't want to be considered a "problem neighbour" and make the situation hostile or anything as obviously she knows where I live!

Any

If she is putting it into the halway every night then surely that is because she realises that it smells.

I would put a kind note through her door. If it doesn't work, call the management company for your apartments.

piratefairy

I assume it's the same bag, from over a week ago. It's the exact same position, doesn't look like she's moved it - surely she's left the house in the last 9 days?!

meeps

can you stick an anonymous sign up on a shared wall about keeping hallways clear for health and safety reasons?

staffie1

If it's so distressing, and I imagine it is, surely you can make arrangements to go into work later or leave earlier one day so that you can knock on your neighbour's door and speak to her. Failing that I wouldn't be too worried about the ethics of knocking on her door late at night when she is deliberately leaving a bag of stinking rubbish outside your door every day!

piratefairy

I guess so, I have to leave the house at 7am and don't return until midnight at the earliest, which I can't change, but when I get home tonight I will knock on the door, I kind of don't want to be a pain to her, but it is disgusting, and if she plans on leaving it out there much longer then I'm really worried about the possibility of mice etc.

McKneff

Instead of knocking to complain, have you thought of knocking on her door to say 'hello' and ask if they are okay as you noticed the bag on the doorstep hadnt been moved.

they may be ill or something.
maybe its an old lady who relies on someone to take it down and they are away.


If it stinks that much and you are worried about your health/vermin why dont you do the neighbourly thing and take it downstairs to the bins.

piratefairy

Because I'm responsible enough to take my rubbish down to the bins, I don't see why I should have to be reponsible for anyone else's just due to laziness.

staffie1

piratefairy wrote: »

I guess so, I have to leave the house at 7am and don't return until midnight at the earliest, which I can't change, but when I get home tonight I will knock on the door, I kind of don't want to be a pain to her, but it is disgusting, and if she plans on leaving it out there much longer then I'm really worried about the possibility of mice etc.

Go round on the premise of introducing yourself in the first instance, be nice and mention your concerns about mice/cats getting into the bags. Hopefully she is a sensible person and will understand. Where are the bins in your property? Is she able to get to them? Does she need help? I'm not suggesting you move her rubbish for her - but if she does need help then management or environmental service need to be involved.

McKneff

piratefairy wrote: »

Because I'm responsible enough to take my rubbish down to the bins, I don't see why I should have to be reponsible for anyone else's just due to laziness.

You dont know as yet if it is due to laziness.

Zazen999

Perhaps the bag IS your neighbour?