Neighbour keeps borrowing my hoover

kezz

Hi, I have a small dillema. My neighbours hoover broke about six weeks ago and she asked to borrow mine. This has now turned into a twice weekly occurance and she doesnt empty it or bring it back, I have to knock to get it back, she even joked this evening that it was my turn to use it.
I really didnt mind to start with but Im getting a bit peed off with it now, it comes back full of dog and cat hair, shake and vac and recently bl**dy brick dust.This hoover has to last me a good few years yet and would cost more than we can afford to replace as its a Dyson.
How can I stop this without falling out with her? She is really nice and just doesnt think that I mind. Am I being petty?

oops_a_daisy

do you have a freecycle near you ? we often get them advertised around here. You could maybe suggest it to her or get one and give it to her .
I think she is taking the mickey now as you have been a good neighbour and helped her but she obviously doesnt realise that she is taking it a bit too far
Good luck

TheWaltons_3

Fake an allergy... tell her you and hubby have both gotten ill since using the Hoover and tell her it's because of her pet hair

sticher

Maybe each time she comes to borrow it say that you were just about to use it. Maybe after a few times she will get the hint.

benood

As well as freecycle suggest that there are really cheap ones on ebay.

Counting_Pennies_2

I would say it packed up on you the other day and would prefer for it to have minimal use for the time being, so would prefer it if she would mind asking another neighbour.

Or say it is out being fixed.

Or just be completely honest and tongue in cheek say to her, haven't you ordered your new hoover yet?

ckerrd

Put a dead fuse in it - see what her reaction is, when you tell it was working fine when you lent it to her.

poppyscorner

I could have written your post my neighbour does the same I don't say anything and probably never would but that is not to say I don't get frustrated when I have to knock for it back I can't seem to say no either however my neighbour is a very good friend of mine and it is probably about once a fortnight for us so not too bad I don't think you are petty my MIL has threatened to have words with her (interfearing as usual) but I won't let her good luck whatever you do about it can't really offer any advice but the freecycle thing was a good idea

Poppy x

LilMissEmmylou

just say its broke on you and ur going to have to get it fixed, but need to wait till u have the cash to fix it, so she may sort herself out with a new one because it might be a while before u have it sorted.

System

Dont mither around, just tell her straight out that your dog/cat/rabbit/goldfish has bought in fleas. She wont ask to borrow it again.:D

Eels100

I second the freecyle idea. You could have a look in local shop windows/small ads papers and then give her the details on any second hand hoovers for sale - in a friendly way. I know what you mean about it seeming petty but that would drive me bananas! It's the sort of little thing I think most people would be embarrassed about doing (for 6 weeks!) but some just don't seem to get that it's a bit of a cheek. Be gentle and polite and act innocent and helpful and she'll get the message.

If none of that works you could approach her and offer her a half share of it if she pays half its value ... I suspect, it being a Dyson, she'll balk at that