MONEY MORAL DILEMMA. Should Karl let the neighbours use his garden?

terill

Think they have a right cheek! Politely refuse but say that they are welcome to use it when you are away. Easy

brokeinwales

I think personally, just to be neighbourly and not cause a ruckus, I would say they could use the garden to hang out washing IF they asked me first and I wasn't using the line myself (i.e. checked every time, rather than just barging in as if they had automatic right), same as I would lend a hoover or something to a neighbour if they asked and I wasn't using it - but wouldn't expect them to just take it!

I would not let them use it for "relaxing" or socialising though. Even if you're happy to loan your facilities to somebody else to help them out, you have to make it clear that you own them, and you have priority.

NatFeerick

Karl only has one opportunity to stop them using his garden and that is now at the beginning. He can deal with this politely by saying he will have to say no for the time being as he has plans for the garden or means to use it a great deal. Chances are they will never mention it again, but if he finds he isn't using the garden at least he has left the door open to go back to them and say he doesn't mind at some later date/if they become friends.

Longer term, if the garden is big enough he could consider sectioning part of it off and renting it to them.

2Dogs_2

just say no.

I had a similar situation when I moved into a 1st floor flat. the very nice old lady downstairs borrowed the washing line and kept her dustbin in my garden. Not a problem until the council delivered wheelie bins (6 in all). She was most upset when I told her she wasn't using my garden for her wheelies!

Talent

Karl must say no and say it now, in writing. He should also complain to the estate agent who marketed the property and to his solicitor that he wasn't informed of this use of the garden area by a neighbour. His solicitor should contact the previous owners solicitor and the previous owner. There is also the chance that the neighbour is trying it on and didn't have free use of the garden, it's not unknown. Karl, do it NOW.

dgriffin2000

No.

If the neighbours had permission to use the last owner's garden, they can go and use the garden at their new house!

Kirri

If I'd paid extra for a garden flat then no way!
They can pay extra for a flat with a garden if they want one so much.

Stampede_2

There is an old expression that good fences make good neighbours ..I'm at a bit of a loss as to why the neighbours would need to use someone elses garden as there are always allocated garden areas and parking places in such situations. Maybe they just prefer and found Karl's area more convenient.

Personally I'd say No and to remove the bluntness of his refusal, although no explanation is needed, just say something on the lines of : "Well as I've only just moved in I'm really exited and looking forward to using my own garden and for the first time in my life being able to say . 'this is my place' .. I expect you felt like that when you first moved so I'm sure you'll understand why I'd rather not".

I'd also be a little bit cautious about getting over involved with the neighbours who asked as the fact that they even asked suggests they might be just a little bit overbearing .. Karl should keep his distance until he gets the measure of them and that isn't to say he needs to be rude, just take things gently. It's better to be just casually friendly than too enthusiastic initially and find out you are being put upon. Trying to go back a step will be harder than not taking it in the first place.

:j totally debt free and savings in the bank for that rainy day when the roof needs repairing ( my late Mum's advice RIP )

Algorfa45

I would say no,start as you mean to go on as they say, first its your garden then other things possibly

Cloudane

Last night I said yes (possible ice breaker etc) but thinking about it further and reading some good points here I think it'd be a no. And it also raises the point: if you've had too much alcohol to drive, you've had too much alcohol to be agreeing to anything

If it was only on very infrequent occasions - like a few times a year - I wouldn't really mind but if they're that keen on being able to use it (to ask before I even know them suggests this), they're probably going to be there quite often. And then when I want to sit outside with a beer or something they or their washing would be hanging out making it a bit awkward.

Also as much faith as I have in people's fairness, only too often the phrase "you give an inch, they take a mile" rings true. There's a good chance they'd be in and out using the loo and the kitchen and stuff next.

I think it's no, now. How to refuse is down to the individual. I'd probably be all apologetic and such like, although really there is no need to be. It's your garden.

I use "I" and not "Karl" though, as this is mostly an individual thing and difficult to place in the third person.