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New neighbours complaining about our toilet

342 replies

Amanda98 · 16/05/2025 13:30

We’ve got a new build where one side of our house completely backs on to a neighbours garden - that’s the back wall/boundary of their garden essentially.

Downstairs, we have a toilet with a window which is on the side of the house where that wall is, and has a small window which opens at the top. Their garden is slightly lowered so it isn’t within reaching distance. It’s a fairly odd design but we’ve lived here for years with no issues.

The neighbours have recently changed. In one of the early weeks in April when it was warm, they put a note through the door which asked we keep the window closed when it’s sunny because of the smell. We don’t really open it much anyway so thought nothing of it.

We’ve since had a further note through this week asking it stays closed on Saturday because they are hosting a BBQ for a family members birthday. We also have family over on Saturday and the downstairs loo is the one they’d naturally use.

Are the neighbours being CF? They surely can’t expect us to introduce a rule where we only crap upstairs whenever they say so!

OP posts:
thegirlwithemousyhair · 16/05/2025 16:44

BrianaBlessed · 16/05/2025 16:29

It’s not normal to have foul smelling poos at all - people are very wrong about this. Yes a slight smell perhaps but nothing that lingers after a minute or so. I can’t smell if my daughter has done a poo, and vice versa. Nor my parents come to think of it. And hardly ever at work and there’s no windows.

But so many people’s diets are shit it comes out in their shit I guess.

Wow. Your shit literally doesn't stink. 😂

50lbstolose · 16/05/2025 16:40

Can we have a diagram please?
Does the window overhang their garden when open!

BrianaBlessed · 16/05/2025 16:29

ItGhoul · 16/05/2025 16:14

I hate to break it to you, but your shit definitely smells as well, and you can't clean a toilet while you're mid-dump.

It’s not normal to have foul smelling poos at all - people are very wrong about this. Yes a slight smell perhaps but nothing that lingers after a minute or so. I can’t smell if my daughter has done a poo, and vice versa. Nor my parents come to think of it. And hardly ever at work and there’s no windows.

But so many people’s diets are shit it comes out in their shit I guess.

WishItWasAlwaysFriday · 16/05/2025 16:26

While I get you, I also feel for them if it's really that bad that it doesn't disperse and is wafting into their seating area🙈

Pinepeak2434 · 16/05/2025 16:24

Can’t be pleasant for the neighbours, isn’t there a fence separating the boundary and shielding/blocking the window from their view? My neighbours bathroom has a bathroom side window upstairs overlooking our house, it’s not too bad as it overlooks onto the detached part of our house down an alley - however in the mornings I can hear the man hacking and phlegming - sometimes when I’m cooking dinner too which really turns my stomach.

LakieLady · 16/05/2025 16:23

pinkdelight · 16/05/2025 14:23

I'd really go for it with some huffing and puffing straining sounds in there even if you're not actually letting out a load. Perhaps even involve a whoopee cushion.

I was thinking along similar lines.

Do you live rurally, OP? They sound just the sort to complain about the smell of slurry spreading.

BoudiccaRuled · 16/05/2025 16:21

Is their garden postage stamp size?
I honestly can't imagine how awful your downstairs loo must smell for it to affect people outside.

JifNtGif · 16/05/2025 16:21

Why is your effluence so stinky OP? Are you vegans ?

Flossflower · 16/05/2025 16:21

They knew it was like that when they bought the house. Just tell them that is how it is and you will open your window. Keep the window closed while you are actually using the toilet. If you give in now they will always be asking you. If they are that bothered they can move their seating away or better still plant fragrant shrubs,
Having said that most people don’t use the downstairs toilet for anything more than a wee.

ItGhoul · 16/05/2025 16:19

During their barbecue, you should pop round and complain that the smell of the smoke is disturbing you while you're trying to have a dump.

rwalker · 16/05/2025 16:18

Sounds like it opens and overhangs into there garden
tread carefully or I’m sure you’ll end with something stood directly outside your window so you won’t be able to open it anyway

MomGran · 16/05/2025 16:16

I think it is odd that they are posting notes through your letter box, rather than having a polite conversation with you about it. I would ignore the notes, you do not have proof that they are even from your neighbour, they could be from anyone. Relax and enjoy your own space, and visitors, and ignore any nonsense notes.

pinkdelight · 16/05/2025 16:15

How smelly are your dumps?

So weird that anyone on this thread thinks their dumps aren't smelly! There'll be variations of course, but no one's dumps smell good, except to coprophiliacs I guess.

OrangeCrushes · 16/05/2025 16:15

They sound mental.

Purplecatshopaholic · 16/05/2025 16:15

This is nuts and I’d be ignoring them, simple.

ItGhoul · 16/05/2025 16:14

WorryBear · 16/05/2025 13:59

I can't believe th3 comments.

Clean your bloody toilet! The fact they can smell it is disgusting!

I hate to break it to you, but your shit definitely smells as well, and you can't clean a toilet while you're mid-dump.

PiggyPigalle · 16/05/2025 16:14

BurntBroccoli · 16/05/2025 16:05

There was a story in the news where someone’s drain had been cut in half by a new telecoms line I think it was! So everything was backing up 🤢.

And all they could hear down the line was "Oh shit"!

AncoraAmarena · 16/05/2025 16:13

Amanda98 · 16/05/2025 14:17

Sorry?

I can't stop laughing. I mean WTAF? 😂

GreenFriedTomato · 16/05/2025 16:11

Just posting to say 'I ❤️❤️❤️ Mumsnet!'
This is the laugh I needed today 😂 😂 😂 😂

Oneday24 · 16/05/2025 16:11

Oneday24 · 16/05/2025 16:09

Oh I’d be mortified if I received that note 😅I have to say though, I’ve always thought it was good etiquette to only use the downstairs loo for wee’s! If it was me I’d honestly leave the window shit or tell the family to not use it for no 2’s. I don’t think anyone buys a house and thinks that would become an issue even if the window is in a daft place!

Oh fgs shut not shit 😂

Lavenderflower · 16/05/2025 16:10

I would consider getting your drains checked. I lived in a property that had been converted. Every so often the bathroom would smell despite, not one using it. This was due to drain getting blocked up.

Oneday24 · 16/05/2025 16:09

Oh I’d be mortified if I received that note 😅I have to say though, I’ve always thought it was good etiquette to only use the downstairs loo for wee’s! If it was me I’d honestly leave the window shit or tell the family to not use it for no 2’s. I don’t think anyone buys a house and thinks that would become an issue even if the window is in a daft place!

whitescreens · 16/05/2025 16:07

Get something called VIPoo… you spray it into the toilet before a poo and it really helps with the smell…

BurntBroccoli · 16/05/2025 16:05

There was a story in the news where someone’s drain had been cut in half by a new telecoms line I think it was! So everything was backing up 🤢.

Deathraystare · 16/05/2025 16:04

I'll come round. They will want to leave!!!!!

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