What would you do?

Julie928 · ‎04-08-2013

I'm sure I'll get ridiculed for this but here goes. Many of you may know there have been some neighbor issues around here. Well, we've been getting along pretty well recently. Or so I thought.

My husband and I put up a 6-foot privacy fence along the one side of our property (alongside theirs). Our old fence was in pretty bad shape so we decided to help keep the peace (and diffuse some of the noise) we would make the investment.

Today I was in their drivewway trimming one of our trees (I told here I would need to access their driveway to do this and she was fine with it). I glanced over their gate and couldn't believe what I saw. The entire length on our fence was scribbled on, drawn on, written on in PINK PAINT! Yes, it's paint! I called her, she didn't answer the phone so I left a message. I went over there a couple hours later ~ no answer. (Yes, she is home). My new fence looks like an underpass in the city ~ full of grafitti. This fence cost us $4,000. Who allows their children to do something like that?

I don't know what to do. I take that back. I do know what to do. I'm leaving. If my husband wants to stay here have fun! It's too bad because we put so much of our hearts, souls and pocketbooks in this place. I just can't do it anymore.

I'm sure I'll be called a few names. I'm sure I'll be told I hate kids and to let it go. Before anyone here starts belittling me just know I have opened up our yard to the kids from time to time. They love our fairy garden and like to count the fairies in our yard. They love our pond so I let them feed our fish. I tried. I can let the noise aspect go ~ I've almost become used to it. I haven't said a word about in in months. But when it comes to our property being defaced I have to do something. Shouldn't the parents be held accountable for this? This isn't a few scribbles ~ this is over 40 feet of writing, painting, doodling ~ in paint.

Now I need to call our realtor. Thanks for letting me vent.

queendiva · ‎03-12-2010

Before calling a Realtor, I would call, in this order: the police and a good attorney.

Outrageous behavior on the part of your adult neighbors.

Those kids are going to be something else in ten years..

My house listed For Sale today. I have fantastic neighbors. Nervous about what's to come in a new location

maluk · ‎04-26-2013

report it o the police

Bird mama · ‎03-12-2010

You've paid for a privacy fence and even though it wasn't your side that was defaced, the fence is your property and it has been defaced.

I would take pictures and then make a trip to the police department and file a complaint.

There are times when you must speak, not because you are going to change the opposing side, but because if you do not speak, they have changed you.

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

My advice is to stand your ground and fight these neighbors legally. Call 911 to have police come out to see the defacing and act of vandalism of your personal property. Police will advise you of options to pursue action against your neighbors.

I say DO NOT run from this problem; take legal action.

Bird mama · ‎03-12-2010

@Julie928 Is it vinyl or wood fencing? I ask because in my community a privacy fence has to be nice looking on the side of the person you are blocking out. I would know, lol. This is why I chose white vinyl. There was nothing wrong with my chain link fence and to avoid any BS from the neighbor I was blocking out, I had my privacy fence installed a couple of inches inside of the chain link fence.

There are times when you must speak, not because you are going to change the opposing side, but because if you do not speak, they have changed you.

January121 · ‎03-21-2010

I would take pictures & contact a lawyer...... file a complaint with small claims court to recover the damage to the fence .... it should be a no brainer that you WIN .... I hate parents that let their “little darlings” do whatever they want & destroy other people’s property ... there has to be a way to retaliate so they control the little ones in the future & usually the only way to do it is hit their pocketbooks & let them pay!!!

KentuckyWoman · ‎03-13-2010

When you live in the city and houses are close together people need to respect the rights of their neighbors. I can't tell you what to do but I would get an estimate of how much it would cost to clean the fence. Then I would present her with the bill or send it registered mail so you will know she got it. If she doesn't respond, talk to local police or an attorney to see what action you may be able to take. We respect our neighbors and expect the same treatment from them. Good luck.

happycat · ‎09-18-2010

I remember you and the previous issues you have had with these neighbors, or anyway that there have been issues with them. And God knows, I do understand to an extent.

I think the posters on here are right about you calling the police, and a lawyer, I would definitely not take this sitting down, you deserve better.

But, I think I agree with you about moving, or at least giving it serious thought. And I will tell you why. Because I think an adult had to know what those little brats were doing and didn't care. Those little brats are going to grow up to be big brats. And I personally, do not like to deal with big brats. They have bigger and more destructive toys. Obviously you are dealing with people who don't care about anyone else's property. It almost seems like the adults enjoy causing you trouble. Life is too short and you are too good for this.

I will say, I had issues here, and I threatened to shoot back. That took care of that. I don't advise that though.

Good luck.

kaydee50 · ‎02-07-2011

What makes you think it will be so easy to sell your house for the price you think it's worth now that the fence you paid for has been vandalized? As previous posters mentioned I would call the police, show them them what has been done and see what they say. I would take care of this situation before putting my home on the market.