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

Rd1994

Absolutely would not pay and can’t believe people are actually suggesting you do pay just to keep the peace. They 100% should have approached you before hand and asked if they wanted contribution. We do these jobs ourself in our house to save money. 

JayD

You were made aware the day the cleaner arrived - and you clearly accepted their services. So you must pay your share. However, I trust you will now tell your neighbour that you would prefer to make your own window and gutter cleaning arrangements in future.

 Or to put it another way DURR!!

[Deleted User]

What an arrogant neighbour, unless he arranged it provisionally, and you had the option to refuse.  If you were in and gave permission for the work to go ahead, (and agreed the cost) then you should pay, but it isn't any good telling this neighbour not to do it in the future, clearly he wouldn't accept it.  Inform him that you will pay him for your share of the work (if you haven't been foolish enough to already have done it!) but not immediately, as for you it was an unplanned expense.  Make him wait, and let him know that you will not agree to any pre-arranged work in the future, - and do not agree to it should it be repeated!

Kimrie61

Your neighbour negotiated and hired the contractor therefore they should pay the bill. And tell them not to operate on your behalf again.

minimad99

A few things I think would effect my decision; 
How friendly are you with the neighbour? Or is this out of the blue?
How much was the contribution, half, quarter of the bill.
Was it a big bill, i.e. scaffolding needed or just a guy on a ladder?

twopenny

"My neighbour arranged for a window and gutter cleaner to attend to both their property and mine - but didn't discuss it with me first, only letting me know on the day the cleaner arrived"

So you were aware that the cleaner was offering to clean your property before it happened.

You must have accepted that they would go ahead to give them access to do the job.

So you should pay for the work on your property.

If you hadn't wanted the job done then you should have said before the work commenced which it appears you had the oportunity to do.

If you don't want it to happen again then you must tell your neighbour. You can be nice about it but make it a definite statement.

It's possible that it is in  your interest to make it a joint concern as it would be cheaper to do so.

If you want to clean the gutters yourself (or not) or pay a bit extra and wait longer for someone else to come and do them then explain your decision so there is no confusion.

EssexExile

Daycart1 said:

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. 

Falling out with a neighbour is never a good idea, they live next door and can make your life hell.

[Deleted User]

Looking at the postings, i don't think i've ever seen a thread whereby most posters have such few post counts to their name - and where their username is a very similar style - and where the timings of them are so close together 🙄
Almost like the creator of the thread has created accounts.

MRSDPE

Although your neighbour acted in a presumptuous manner I feel you missed your opportunity to decline when you learned of his arrival. In failing to do this you were, tacitly, accepting his services so should therefore pay up. 

desthemoaner

If you live in a semi detached property it makes sense to clean the entire guttering system front and back, because one channel serves both properties and in many cases there will be just one downpipe to drain the lot. Your neighbour could have engaged someone to clean their gutters only, but if yours are clogged and the downpipe is at your end, the dirt would soon build up again. However, it would have been a reasonable courtesy for your neighbour to tell you before employing someone who could well have damaged your property by breaking gutters, putting a ladder through a window etc.

Pay, but leave your neighbour in no doubt that it happens again without your consent, you'll contribute nothing.