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Original poster

AIBU re this odd request from neighbours?

485 replies

yorkshapudding · 02/08/2015 16:51

Our NDN's came over to tell us that they are having some work done in their back garden starting tomorrow- having a fence built, some trees cut down, rubbish cleared etc. They estimate it will be about two full days work, possibly more. They then told us that they were going away and would not be back until after the job has finished. They explained that they don't want to leave the workmen a key for "security reasons" so this means they will have no power source to plug tools in, no access to a bathroom or kettle etc. so would we be in and if so would we mind 'helping out' with those things.

I explained that DH will be at work and while I am actually off work for the next couple of days, I will have various errands, things to do, want to take DC out etc. so will be in and out of the house. They then asked when I was planning on going out so they could let their workmen know and saying "oh don't worry, they'll work around you". I told them that I hadn't made firm plans and didn't know when I would be going out. To be honest I don't really want to be tied to a schedule and I also don't like the idea of three strange men traipsing around my house for two days. I told them that I was sorry but they needed to either provide them with a key or arrange for the work to be done at a time when they would be home as we couldn't be on hand for two days to provide cups of tea, electricity and access to bathroom facilities etc.

Although they were polite, I got the distinct feeling that NDN's thought I was being mean and not very neighbourly.

AIBU or is it a bit much to expect me to accommodate all this? Initially I thought they were being cheeky (they don't want to leave these men a key but I should just open my house up to them!) and that it was a bit of a strange request but due to their reaction (they seemed quite surprised that I said no) I'm now doubting myself. They are generally quite annoying neighbours, nothing too awful just a bit noisy and inconsiderate at times, so I don't trust myself to be objective!

OP posts:
Minicaters · 02/08/2015 17:51

Fabulous autocorrect Bambam! I have a lovely mental image of you calmly handing out your guest bicycles for the occasion.

Muddlewitch · 02/08/2015 17:51

Bambambini I'm afraid I'm not sure they were real gardeners what with the bush weeping and the conning you out of bicycles. Grin

DinosaursRoar · 02/08/2015 17:50

YANBU - but yes, they will probably rock up tomorrow - your response should be surprised face and say "oh dear, did [NDN's] not tell you I'd said no to supervising their work? Such a pity they didn't contact you in time to reschedule for when they are here to do it. I'm sure you've got their mobile numbers to sort it." shut door.

Minicaters · 02/08/2015 17:49

YANBU but I do think you should be prepared for the workmen to be on your doorstep, and early.

Bambambini · 02/08/2015 17:49

Weeing and biccies! Goddammit! What a plonker I am!

BumpTheElephant · 02/08/2015 17:48

YANBU! Your neighbours are cheeky bastards! Very odd request. I'd assume they can't be arsed with the workmen so have deliberately gone away hoping you'd deal with it all. Otherwise why else would you have workmen in when you were going away???

StealthPolarBear · 02/08/2015 17:44

Weeping in the bushes :o
Why did you give them bicycles? ?

Bambambini · 02/08/2015 17:43

Cheeky though I might help out depending on the circus and if I got on well with my neighbour. I had garden workmen in recently for 3 days. Ordered hem the use of my loo but they never did ask to use it (probably too busy weeping in the bushes). I did make them coffee and gave them bicycles but I'm sure they are more than able to bring their own. The electricity is another issue though do they have a garage with a socket that the workmen could use?

Bakeoffcake · 02/08/2015 17:42

God, what a cheek- not just for expecting you to provide all those "services" but the fact they asked you the day before!

I've never heard anything like it.

expatinscotland · 02/08/2015 17:41

You really need to prepare yourself, because the workmen will show up tomorrow expecting to use your power, water, facilities and home. 'No. I told them we are not available for that. Let them know they need to rearrange the work.' Then you close the door.

BabyGanoush · 02/08/2015 17:41

Well done for saying no

I am the sort of mug who'd say yes, then regret it later

TheCatsMother99 · 02/08/2015 17:38

YADefinitelyNBU

cabbagesouppirate · 02/08/2015 17:35

Also guessing that by page 3 you will have some loon who genuinely thinks yabu.

cabbagesouppirate · 02/08/2015 17:33

So, your ndners want;

  1. To not be bothered by the noise or nuisance of their workmen, so they are buggering off for 2 days.

  2. To not have to pay for any electricity, water, toilet paper, tea bags etc that their workmen use.

  3. For you to stay in so that you can let your ndners workmen help themselves to your electricity/water/teabags/toilet paper and traipse all over your house for the benefit of your neighbours whilst you are inconvenienced with your time and you have to put up with their noise and dirt.

How could you possibly have said no Grin? In fact, perhaps you should have offered to pay the workmen for their work?

LIZS · 02/08/2015 17:33

You should not be made responsible for the workman . At best offer to hold the key overnight. You can hand it the workman tomorrow whenever you are in and they can post it back through next door when finished.

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 02/08/2015 17:33

Cheeky gits Shock

IF their idea of you "helping out" had been "can you keep the key , give it to them at 8am then they'll push it back through your letterbox at 5pm, is that okay"? then I'd think fair enough

But for them to escape the noise, mess and inconvenience while expecting you to provide facilities for them?
Sod that Angry

BillyJoel · 02/08/2015 17:32

YANBU. The toilet - they want to use YOUR toilet. I am no clean freak, but that is dreadful. Random bums leaving skidmarks in the loo..... big bloody yak!

antimatter · 02/08/2015 17:31

This is the time when the famous MN saying comes in handy - "No is a full sentence".

they will have no power source to plug tools in - that says it all - NDN assumed that you will them use yours. What a cheek!

Cocolepew · 02/08/2015 17:30

Cheeky fuckers, Id have shut the door in their face

FishWithABicycle · 02/08/2015 17:28

Yanbu the workmen should certainly not be given access to your house and utilities, that would be ridiculous.

Alternative suggestion. Ndn gives you the keys to their house. You may not be around all day but you can presumably be around at 9am and 5pm to unlock and lock up for them?

dustarr73 · 02/08/2015 17:28

Oh its gonna be a good thread.I can feel it in my water.Grin

achieve6 · 02/08/2015 17:28

that is one of the maddest things I've ever heard

Of course YANBU!

They clearly arranged this on purpose, they want to be away for noisy work. To then ask you to help out - good grief. The mind boggles Confused

SugarOnTop · 02/08/2015 17:27

if the builders turn up and you have no key for neighbours house - then just tell the builders you're sorry but they'll have to re-arrange the work with the neighbours for when they're at home.

Floralnomad · 02/08/2015 17:25

YANBU , that's really out of order .

SugarOnTop · 02/08/2015 17:25

AIBU or is it a bit much to expect me to accommodate all this?

cheeky entitled fuckers! So you;re meant to be supervising their building/gardening work?!!!! AND meant to provide your own electric and utilities at your own expense?!!!!!

i'd tell them a firm 'no, that doesn't work for us i'm afraid.....however, if you want to leave us your key we will open up and lock up after the workers but will not be held responsible for anything getting broken/damaged/stolen if it should happen'.

cheeky fuckers buggering off on holiday and expecting neighbors to do their job for them!

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