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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

New neighbour AIBU?

206 replies

Foxyloxymoxy · 04/10/2025 09:31

Our new neighbour knocked on the door just a while ago asking if my Dh who they’ve never met would come in and help them erect their shed. I said that we have plans and we would be out for most of the day. To which she replied “I’d like to do it before it gets dark, we have lots to put in there so we can sort out the house”. To be honest, I didn’t know what to say to that. At this point my dh came to the door , she repeated the question and he hesitated (diy is not his forte!) and said pretty much what I had said. She asked, could he do it later and he replied not really because he has to pack because he’s going away tomorrow. She got a bit upset, said okay and walked off. Are we being unreasonable to have refused?

OP posts:
PotatoLove · 05/10/2025 21:52

Bloody heck, she definitely is a CF!

Start as you mean to go on OP, as she will carry on.

Ladygardenerinderby · 05/10/2025 21:19

YANBU cheeky twats it needed nipping in the bud that did , keep your distance smile say hello n no more

angela1952 · 05/10/2025 21:04

Foxyloxymoxy · 04/10/2025 16:57

Update- she came back!!Dh not here so couldn’t talk to her himself! She asked if he could help for a few hours. I said no as he is busy, we have two dc and he’s leaving in the morning for the week. I asked her what needed doing exactly. She said they thought they could put up the shed easily but it was too hard and she needs to put it up. I said today was not a good day and he’s not here all week. He’ll be back Friday evening and if she really really needs help on Saturday morning next he might have a bit of time! To which she said…I need it up today next Saturday is too late. I then asked the question If her partner had a friend etc that could help. She said…and this was my favourite part…oh no I couldn’t bother them they are far too busy 😅

Bl**dy CF.
We used to have a friend with a much older husband and we'd help them out if we could because he was such a lovely man and not very strong. Once we had a similar situation to yours and asked if one of their three AC could help them out? She said no, their lives were much too busy.

At the time we had four children at home and both did very full time jobs, DH was often away for weeks at a time for work and their DC didn't have any children. We were never able to help them again I'm afraid.

Frillysweetpea · 05/10/2025 20:50

Bloody hell! Our shed took 2 professionals a day to build after a day laying the foundations. It's a completely unreasonable ask of a stranger with no notice - I'm gobsmacked!

FeetLikeFlippers · 05/10/2025 20:35

I think you dealt with her really well. But you do know that we are now all fascinated by her level of batshittery and what she’ll do next, so please please please keep us updated with any future encounters or requests!

canyouseemyhousefromhere · 05/10/2025 19:55

Tell her you rent his DIY skills out at £150/hour and a shed would be min 3 days.

goingtotown · 05/10/2025 19:50

She’s a CF.

Buffs · 05/10/2025 19:45

Foxyloxymoxy · 04/10/2025 17:04

I said “oh that’s a shame, sorry about that, I have to go now. Sorry” I’m actually so confused at her thinking…

Yep a CF. Give her a wide berth and be ready with an excuse for the next unreasonable request.

pilates · 05/10/2025 19:37

Honestly you need to avoid her like the plague - don’t even make eye contact.

SemiRetiredLoveGoddeess · 05/10/2025 18:37

Maybe it is just as well you found out straight away what she is like

Sounds like the neighbour from hell

Give her a wide berth.

likeacircleinaspirallikeawheelwithinawheel · 05/10/2025 18:27

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

AC246 · 05/10/2025 18:26

My neighbour hinted heavily to me about needing help in her huge garden when her husband died. I brightly mentioned that her son and sons in law would be able to help her. She said they were very busy with important jobs🙄.

Wide berth taken from then on.

Blablibladirladada · 05/10/2025 18:20

😂😂😂😂

I do love a good neighbor story. I would install a ringbell and look before answering.

Laura95167 · 05/10/2025 18:16

Foxyloxymoxy · 04/10/2025 16:57

Update- she came back!!Dh not here so couldn’t talk to her himself! She asked if he could help for a few hours. I said no as he is busy, we have two dc and he’s leaving in the morning for the week. I asked her what needed doing exactly. She said they thought they could put up the shed easily but it was too hard and she needs to put it up. I said today was not a good day and he’s not here all week. He’ll be back Friday evening and if she really really needs help on Saturday morning next he might have a bit of time! To which she said…I need it up today next Saturday is too late. I then asked the question If her partner had a friend etc that could help. She said…and this was my favourite part…oh no I couldn’t bother them they are far too busy 😅

I think you need to manage her expectations now. Or this will only be the start of her CF entitlement.

"Im sorry neighbour, we have small children and busy jobs. We don't have time to do favours for our own friends tbh... I think you cant ask a friend to help maybe call a handyman."

I beg you dont exchange telephone numbers

Laura95167 · 05/10/2025 18:11

A stranger asked your DH for free labour? No is completely a reasonable response.

Dugongs · 05/10/2025 18:04

Next she'll be parking on your driveway!
Set boundaries NOW. !!!
Some people just take the flamin proverbial!

Catwalking · 05/10/2025 12:43

wondering if this is the 1 time to give (appalling) assistance… to the point that CF neighbour is sending kind helper, away?!?

AbbeyGrange · 05/10/2025 10:59

OP you're too nice, I suspect the new neighbour does too and will take advantage of this, she'll want your DH to come and remove a spider in her living room next..🤔

Cherrysoup · 05/10/2025 10:40

Guaranteed she’ll be back on Saturday saying you told her your Dh was free. You should have said he doesn’t do diy and here’s a link to the neighbourhood app.

MargaretThursday · 05/10/2025 10:25

If she does want help next Saturday you all go over together, play ball with the children very loudly... And invite a few more neighbours to stand around and make comments. 😁

pictoosh · 05/10/2025 10:09

Can't believe you offered his services next weekend! Rookie error!
Now she thinks he's available to help next Saturday. If it's not the shed she'll need something else doing. As has been demonstrated already, she has no shame.

Say no explicitly and stick to it. Suggest a local handyman or something.

Nip it in the bud.

Poppasocks · 05/10/2025 09:59

Let me guess... single?

Keep an eye on her.

Clychaugog · 05/10/2025 09:38

Nah, you're all just mean. 😂

Don't mistake my kindness for weakness.

AC246 · 05/10/2025 02:17

Give her the widest berth possible.
She is a complete CF.
Say no to everything and I mean everything.
She will be a plague on your house if you don't

Nearly50omg · 05/10/2025 01:53

No and fuck off are the only words you need to say to this entitled bitch!!