Money Moral Dilemma: Should I pay for the window and gutter cleaning I wasn't told about?

honestcove

An arrangement agreed with the former owner of your property perhaps?

If you didn’t want the work doing, you were unable to say “no thanks” to the work on the day because?

Daycart1

Most people saying 'pay up you don't want to fall out with your neighbour' - but why would you want to be friends with someone who makes decisions on your behalf with no consultation whatever ? Falling out with this particular neighbour sounds like a very good idea unless you don't mind being taken advantage of.  Probably the sort of person who regularly arranges deliveries and then goes out leaving a note on the door saying, 'leave next door if out'.  Offer half the money and they'll get the message. 

AstonSimon

I would say 3 things.

Firstly, if you didn't ask for the work to be done, then you don't have to pay for it.

Secondly, however, if you refuse to pay, it could cause tension between you and your neighbour. There again, do you want to be friends with someone who behaves in that manner?

Thirdly, if you do pay up, it's more than likely that your neighbour will do the same thing again. Refusing to pay will send a powerful message that you aren't going to be bullied.

Ultimately, it's up to you whether you pay up or not, but giving in this time could make it harder to refuse to pay next time.

ticktock25

I would pay next time talk to your neighbour and tell him. can't be a problem moving forward then.

Hummybee

Your neighbour arranged the cleanup without consulting you.  I would offer to pay for the gutter cleaning only as this could affect their property should any leak cause problems, but I would also let them know not to arrange anything in future without consulting you.

squirrel59

Pay and say next time to please ask you beforehand. Smile.

marion_witton

It is trespass. My solicitor neighbour wouldn’t help when our joint drainpipe leaked into my living room so I arranged and paid for its replacement. He took me to court and won as I had trespassed into his airspace when the T bar his side was fixed to his guttering. It cost me £67,500 in costs and fees for a 9 inch piece of pipe. Everyone should be aware that if you reach over or go round next door to fix a fence without permission, you are trespassing. Apparently, and I didn’t know this, you have to apply for permission under the Access to Neighbouring land act if you or in your case your neighbour wants to access next door’s land.

howardl

I would be very annoyed if this happened to me, a, with my neighbour and b, with the contractor. I wouldn't pay it on principle and tell the neighbour it's an expensive lesson for them and ask why no communication. I can't believe someone would be stupid enough to arrange without consulting the co payer???

gmummy

You have not specifically stated whether you gave permission for the service to be carried out on the day. Did you agree to the service being carried out because you thought your neighbour was paying and you were getting a freebie from them? This all depends on whether or not you gave permission for the gutter cleaning and window cleaning to go ahead. Even if you only said yes on the day, you still gave permission and the service was carried out so technically you should pay for it. On the other hand, if the service was carried out without your expressed permission, then your neighbour has no right to ask you to pay for it. All of that being said, it depends on whether you want to stay 'on side' with your neighbour or if you are happy to have a falling out. 

Bellster

As a heads up, your neighbour is clearly going to be a pain in the backside. Assuming you have permission, you'll have to pay. Be civil about it (because they're also likely to help you out in future) but drag your heels when it comes to paying. Otherwise this will certainly not be the end of it - they'll be getting your fence replaced and expecting you to pay for it