Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

How to respond this message from rude neighbour?

99 replies

Sashimai · 02/02/2022 18:35

We have barely had any dealings with neighbour of a house we rent out. I would say we are good landlord and get things sorted quickly.

Today we received a two mine message from neighbour - not sure how they have my email.

“The fence between our properties has finally fallen down. It is time it is replaced. [name of neighbour]”

Who talks like that??

OP posts:
Original poster
Sashimai · 02/02/2022 18:35

Two line message

OP posts:
RussianSpy101 · 02/02/2022 18:37

Respond with when it will be repaired / replaced

CorrBlimeyGG · 02/02/2022 18:37

Some people don't do pleasantries. I wish I could be that blunt.

Is it your fence?

drpet49 · 02/02/2022 18:38

Respond with “no shit Sherlock”

hugoagogo · 02/02/2022 18:38

I come across lots of people who are absolutely useless at written communication especially emails.
They might be thinking they are just letting you know. Tone is notoriously hard to judge on line.

ANameChangeAgain · 02/02/2022 18:40

Whose fence is it? If its been in disrepair for a long time then I'm not surprised they are pissed off if it's your fence. Has it fallen onto their property and does it make their garden insecure for pets / children?

PragmaticWench · 02/02/2022 18:40

It's a statement, there's no question so no need for a reply. Why waste time replying to rude people!

If it's your fence and it needs replacing, have it replaced. Don't tell them when it will be happening.

ANameChangeAgain · 02/02/2022 18:41

To add, it isn't how I would speak to people BTW.

Hawkins001 · 02/02/2022 18:41

@Sashimai

We have barely had any dealings with neighbour of a house we rent out. I would say we are good landlord and get things sorted quickly.

Today we received a two mine message from neighbour - not sure how they have my email.

“The fence between our properties has finally fallen down. It is time it is replaced. [name of neighbour]”

Who talks like that??

Some people add the pleasantries, others are straight to the point, military style, the main question is who's boundary is the fence on ?
SeasonFinale · 02/02/2022 18:42

Perhaps they have been talking to the tenant who has now passed over your details. If it is your fence answer along the lines. Thanks for letting me. I will look into getting this sorted ASAP and assume we have your permission to go onto your property if need be to do the repair.

If it is theirs say thanks for letting me know. I am happy to give permission for people to go onto our property so that you can repair it.

RussianSpy101 · 02/02/2022 18:42

If you’ve had barely any dealings with them, they probably didn’t want to be over friendly with you as that would be weird.

NothingIsWrong · 02/02/2022 18:44

There is also no obligation for you to replace it if you don't want to.

If they want their garden to be secure, they need to put up their own fence

Cherrysoup · 02/02/2022 18:48

How do they know it’s your responsibility? It’s not necessarily on the deeds, none of mine are marked. Have you got copies?

romany4 · 02/02/2022 18:50

I'd respond with

Maybe it was tired??

maximist · 02/02/2022 18:53

One word reply - "Noted".

gettingolderandgrumpy · 02/02/2022 18:55

Is it the fact they want you to repair it or thx tone of the message? Some people are just direct it’s a text not s actual conversation in person it would be different then . Reply back just as direct Say yes it needs repairing what are asking ?

2bazookas · 02/02/2022 19:01

Reply "Let's meet to discuss replacing it and shared cost".

Birdkin · 02/02/2022 19:03

The awkward phrasing of the second sentence maybe points towards EAL? They might not realise how blunt it sounds.

At least it won’t be a surprise when you go next to find your fence is gone.

Wheresmywoolyjumpers · 02/02/2022 19:04

Yes it is blunt and the finally comment seems a bit rude but I dont think it is outrageous.

SpacePotato · 02/02/2022 19:10

Is the fence yours?
Have you allowed it to get into a poor state of repair to the point it has now fallen down?
Surprised tenants haven't said anything.

I don't see a problem with the message tbh.
Fix the fence. Go halves if shared.

MargaretThursday · 02/02/2022 19:10

Does it belong to you or them? It'll be on the deeds.

CannelloniMacaroni · 02/02/2022 19:13

I don't see a problem with the message. Just say thank you for letting me know.

Georgyporky · 02/02/2022 19:28

I'd sooner receive a message like that rather than have to read a load of waffle before arriving at the point.
If it's your fence, say the matter is in hand & give an approximate date when it will be fixed.

WeatherwaxOn · 02/02/2022 19:56

Whilst it's always good to stick to facts, this comes across as blunt and feels confrontational (even though it is unlikely to be so).

Who does the fence belong to on the deeds? If it's you, then you may want to replace in the spirit of good neighbourliness. If it's not you then perhaps a similarly straightforward reply would be appropriate.

Champagneforeveryone · 02/02/2022 19:59

"Thanks for letting me know, will get something sorted"

No need to get het up or confrontational in return