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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:
BobbieT1999 · 02/02/2022 20:00

@romany4

I'd respond with

Maybe it was tired??

I was going to sat "manners cost nothing" but this is better!
INeedNewShoes · 02/02/2022 20:25

One of my neighbours does. In fact I feel as though I've had an almost identical message from him in the past!

He's just direct. I don't consider it rude. Just, to the point which actually in many ways makes things more straightforward.

Bouledeneige · 02/02/2022 20:32

I don't really think the message is rude. But it would be useful to know whose responsibility the fence is. I'd not be keen on a fallen down fence myself - it does need sorting doesn't it?

stuntbubbles · 02/02/2022 20:34

It’s not rude at all, it just isn’t covered in social lube.

Is it your fence?

CrinklyCraggy · 02/02/2022 20:37

As a text message, I don't think that's remarkably rude. He's just telling you what the situation is, not making unreasonable demands.

The reply is simply, OK thank you I'll get it sorted

truthfullylying · 02/02/2022 20:38

I don't think it is rude, really. I work with some idiosyncratic people and it has taught me not to take non-fluffy emails personally.

If it is your fence, you need to fix the fence.

Krakenchorus · 02/02/2022 20:40

That's blunt and to the point, but not rude. Just respond with what you intend to do about the fence.

IncompleteSenten · 02/02/2022 20:40

It is rude because politeness is a basic expectation in an interaction and the lack of that is normally considered rude.

How you reply depends on whose fence it is.

I'm assuming yours because otherwise he wouldn't have emailed you.

If it's your fence and it's fallen down then it needs replacing.

truthfullylying · 02/02/2022 20:42

Also I think the 'It is time it was replaced' is potentially intended to tell you it is too far gone to be temporarily fixed? Because 'fallen down' could mean fallen over, but this sounds more like 'your fence is fucked'

dudsville · 02/02/2022 20:46

So, to add to the masses: is the fence your responsibility to maintain, and does it require maintenance now?

Why2why · 02/02/2022 20:51

I see not how ring with the message. Why is it rude exactly? Because there was no insincere pleasantry?

Was the email factual? Was the fence in disrepair and has finally fallen? Is it your responsibility?

The idea that you’re entitled to some fake pleasantries and if you don’t receive it that means the person is rude, I’d rather strange.

They said nothing rude or offensive.

Theunamedcat · 02/02/2022 20:52

Just reply is it mine or yours I don't have my deeds to hand

Why2why · 02/02/2022 20:52

That should read “nothing wrong with the message”.

pussycatunpickingcrossesagain · 02/02/2022 20:54

noted

whynotwhatknot · 02/02/2022 20:55

Is it shared ownsership or just yours

theres no legal obligation to fix a fence -been through this recently -if they want a secure garden they can build their own fence on their side

misssunshine4040 · 02/02/2022 20:57

Nothing wrong with the message in my opinion.
It's direct and straight to the point but not rude at all.

Secondtimemama32 · 02/02/2022 20:57

Old people

Secondtimemama32 · 02/02/2022 20:57
  • who aren't good at texting!
Tearsforpears · 02/02/2022 21:16

I don’t see it as rude at all. It’s straight to the point and they sound quite tolerant. Maybe go round and talk in person?

Tearsforpears · 02/02/2022 21:18

And blah blah no legal obligation, most decent neighbours will keep the fence between gardens in good repair. Good fences make good neighbours…

whynotwhatknot · 02/02/2022 21:27

well there isnt tears-just responding to some posters who think you have to fix it or youre breaking the law

lemongrasstea · 02/02/2022 21:29

Yeah, but you do need to replace the fence and should have done already. Its very frustrating living next to a rented property where the landlord neglects stuff that would get fixed a lot quicker if they were living there themseves, out of sight out of mind

NothingIsWrong · 02/02/2022 21:32

@Tearsforpears

And blah blah no legal obligation, most decent neighbours will keep the fence between gardens in good repair. Good fences make good neighbours…
Fences are expensive and not everyone has the money. You want your garden secure, you sort it out.
NerrSnerr · 02/02/2022 21:33

Has the fence been in disrepair for a period of time?

If it's your fence you need to replace it. However blunt they were at least you know so you can sort it.

pinkpirlie · 02/02/2022 21:39

@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??

Sounds like my dad. Only email message have got from him in as many years as I can remember was: "Can you buy these (link to Amazon). Thanks Dad"

(He also doesn't have a mobile so never any other messages).

He's a lovely, kind person, would do anything in the world for anyone who asks, but he has zero people/communication skills. He is likely undiagnosed on the spectrum (this along with a host of other things point that way).