Elderly parent in a council house, problems with neighbours and fence.

whatuk65

Thanks for the advice everyone. 

So I went to visit them yesterday, and I have a little update. 

The house is an end of terrace. I understand that the council aren't responsible for the fence, although it does shock me that pensioners living in a rented property are responsible for it. Also, when they moved in, all the houses had 5ft wooden fences with gates around the gardens. My mum and dad had this around theirs and next door's garden, with a simple stake and wire fence later replaced with a simple 2ft wooden fence) between them and next door. It seems mad that the council installed this 5ft wooden fence and gate 50 years ago, when the properties were new, but now say it's not their responsibility. It's falling down, and needs repair, but it's my mum and dad's responsibility. 

In regards to the dogs, they're not the type of dogs you want to get to know. The owners use them as security, and let them poo around the streets without clearing it up. They've also just had 10 puppies, which cry all night long, and have had the police there often. The two big dogs constantly bark and jump at the (now falling down) fence, which is why my mum and dad don't feel safe in the garden anymore. The new neighbours moved in with x2 5ft fence panels, and they've used those to try and stop the dog from getting into my mum and dad's garden. They've also propped various other bits of rubbish against the fence, which is now, under the weight falling down into my mum and dad's garden. 

It's just so horrible for my mum and dad. Their road is full of people who moved in in the 80's, who took pride in their council houses, and now a private landlord has moved these 2 people in next door, who are really effecting my mum and dads quality of life. My dad is also terminally ill, and the thought that this will be his last spring/summer, and he won't be able to enjoy his garden, makes it all the more upsetting.

I'm going to try and find the landlord's details, and appeal to them to at least install a fence. 

whatuk65

Yeah there's only a name on the Land Registry so that's a bit of a dead end. 

silvercar

whatuk65 said:

Yeah there's only a name on the Land Registry so that's a bit of a dead end. 

you could try googling the name, checking on facebook etc also your local library would have the electoral roll that you could search - all assuming that the name is fairly unusual.

i_like_cats

Try searching for the landlord’s name on the Companies House website.   If he’s ever been director of a company (property or otherwise) you’ll be able to find his home address that way.   

RobP69

Sounds like the ones i have next door to me, 4 kids out in the garden all the time screaming, playing football, mum and dad no control at all, music blaring at all hours.

Bookworm105

as you are quite rightly focused on the well being of your parents why not just focus on solving the problem by repairing the fence yourself?
Fighting battles over who is going to pay does not really help them living in fear.

youth_leader

I am very sorry to read your Dad is very unwell.  Personally, I would forget about 'who should' and do it myself.  I'd just find a good local handyman on the Facebook community page and get this fence fixed so he could enjoy his garden safely.

ripplyuk

Have you spoken to the council? Although the general rule is that they won’t maintain fences, it’s not always the case. My council recently fenced the entire garden for my neighbour who has a child with special needs. It depends on the council and their current funding but it might be worth asking and explaining about the safety risks and your dad’s health issues. Even with a fence, these dogs sound bored and will likely bark continuously if they hear your parents outside so the garden might still be unpleasant but at least it will be safe. It’s so frustrating that selfish neighbours are allowed to make life such a misery for others. 

Bigphil1474

Sounds like a job for your council's anti-social behaviour team. Give them a ring.