Issue with shared front garden

arciere

Mickygg wrote: »

I would now talk to them seriously. They are talking about spiders and ants I still think this is piffle. Now is the time to be firm and tell them enough is enough and together agree a plan. If you don't then you know they are gunning for the full paving route which will be easy maintenance but not a garden (IMO).

I've given up trying to find a friendly solution to be honest. I think what I want to make sure now is that the fact that they live on the ground floor doesn't give them any rights to do whatever they decide to do because they are more 'affected than us'.

zagubov

You may need to be a little bit more awkward rather than accommodating from now on.

Make sure that every new change includes a change that suits you, even if it's awkward for them.

arciere

Quick update, the situation has not improved, we have given them a few options but they have decided to not reply at all. In the meantime, (their) garden work is still ongoing.

We said that if they don't stop we are going to put our own plants in there or will take it farther. Their reply: "if you plant anything we will consider it emotional abuse and will cut everything that brings flies. You can take us to court if you can afford it".

Is that my only option left now?

[Deleted User]

arciere wrote: »

I've given up trying to find a friendly solution to be honest. I think what I want to make sure now is that the fact that they live on the ground floor doesn't give them any rights to do whatever they decide to do because they are more 'affected than us'.

Can you now get a car on the front garden?

As they have handily cleared the space for you could start parking right under their windows.

Fancy buying an old banger to renovate? If so make sure you wear baggy trousers and bend over a lot facing their windows to display lots of builders' bottom. I think I tattoo of a spider in the buttock area might look quite nice.

Being serious

It sounds as though you might have go down the legal route and send a solicitors letter outlining that the garden is shared and threaten to take legal action.

sgun

Put a large sign on the wall/railings stating "flat 16a (or whatever you are) is not responsible for the decimation of the garden at the front of this property. It is entirely the work of flat 16b. They have shown complete disregard to the wildlife they have killed and to the appearance of your neighborhood which is sadly devalued due to their dislike of anything green and pleasant. If you disagree with their actions please do feel free to put a letter through their door telling them so."

It wont make a difference probably but would annoy them. Its surprising how many people will put a note through the door when invited to do so.

Seriously though, I would be investing some money in an appointment with a solicitor. Their threat implies that you can't afford to take them to court so play them at their own game.

arciere

The reason they gave me for the latest and greatest cut-it-all gardening works was that the wife had dropped a glass bottle because she was surrounded by flies and was trying to close the door quickly.

I said that we still like the idea of having the front garden in halves, so that they can do whatever they like in their half and we still can enjoy our portion, but they said they 'don't want to agree something that might backfire on us'.

Cakeguts

I can't see how cutting all the vegetation out is going to reduce the number of flies. They don't just live in a particular front garden they can come from anywhere. So what is the real reason behind this? Do they want to concrete it over?

MrsPorridge

Presumably the back garden (either your half or theirs) backs onto their part of the house as well? If so, what are they doing to the back garden?

Out,_Vile_Jelly

Bluntly I would suggest the wife either has mental health issues (but if she genuinely has arachnid/insect phobias why buy a property with any kind of outdoor space?) or they are planning to concrete over and park out front.


Put in writing that the front garden is a shared space that affects the value of both properties and that you wish to agree a simple planting scheme that is low maintenance and agreeable to both parties. Stress that this is a basic requirement for leasehold property ownership and there is no need for a court.

hazyjo

Why on earth did they buy a ground floor flat?! You have my sympathies, OP. Just awful. I would seriously be trying to make them want to move. Be very careful re disputes, and you don't want it to be you who's forced out! Rather than allowing yourselves to become stressed, try to see the humour. I know it's hard!


If you start a family there, she will be unbearable! Can you imagine what she'll be like with a baby screaming in the early hours?! :eek: I would definitely be taking legal advice in your shoes. Get in first. You'll prob find a solicitor who won't charge for the first half hour or so.