Am I unreasonable for finding a neighbour using the lawn outside my flat odd?

[GardenFlatTheif]

Not posted in AIBU as I know I technically am, but would you do this?

I live in a ground-floor flat in a small block of 11 surrounded by lawned communal gardens.

My flat seems like it was an afterthought. The main building is a rectangle, and my flat has been added onto the end as a smaller rectangle, so it's set back from the rest of the block.

I also don't have an upstairs neighbour, and I have my own private entrance. All the ground-floor flats have a patio and lawn in front of them, and there's also a large lawn at the rear of the property that is also quite private.

Because my flat is on the end and set back, you have to walk around the corner to reach the lawn outside mine or even know there is a flat there at all - as I said, it’s kind of been stuck on and is self contained. A lawn also runs down the side of my flat as well as in front too.

Nobody really uses the space outside mine due to its odd location and even the communal path doesn't lead to it... well, nobody except one person.

This neighbour has her own patio and lawn directly outside her flat, but she seems to prefer putting her clothes airer on the lawn outside mine. There's also plenty of space at the back of the building for hanging washing, where there are not really any windows overlooking - if she's after a bit more privacy for underwear, etc.

I know the gardens are shared, and technically she has every right to but it just feels a bit bizarre - the flat was empty for while before I moved in, so I am wondering if she was using the garden for washing and hosting etc.

She has to go out of her way to use this area because my flat is at the end and isn't connected by the path, this also means she walks quite close past my front door and windows. It's no sunnier than any other part of the gardens, and as I said, she has plenty of space directly outside her own flat.

It's not that I mind looking at washing. It's more that, because I'm the only person overlooking this little area, I start feeling responsible for her stuff. For example, it's on a corner and gets quite windy, so her airer regularly blows over. I've just had to bring my own washing in because it's started raining, but hers is still out there.

Am I being unreasonable for finding it a bit odd? I obviously won’t say anything to her as I know she technically has the right to it, but I just personally wouldn’t and nobody else does too!

Just wanted to say excellent diagram. It has pencil case vibes.

Shes doing it as the property was empty, i would start taking the smallest item every time she leaves new washing there, she cant prove its you and she will get the hint or just keep knocking it over constantly

It is weird. My first thought is she does it because it's quite private and no one (but you) can see her washing?

If she really starts to irritate you, you could
-buy the smokiest charcoal barbecue and set it up upwind of her laundry
-invite lots of people round
-when she collects her laundry, ensure her knickers and clothes are the main topics of conversation

😂

Start acting weird and putting odd stuff in your window.

Don't pick up her laundry when it blows over.

Put a rack with lots of risqué stuff like crotchless thongs, whips and corsets next to hers. She'll either be embarrassed to find it or awkward to keep putting her laundry there with the owner of all this stuff watching on.

It's possible no laundry is allowed at the front. We have rules where I stay

I used to live in a flat with a very, very similar lay out (it could be the same place except ours didn't back onto a main road). The people from upstairs would sometimes hang their laundry tucked around the corner but they'd put it right next to the fence out of view. It's weird and a bit cheeky of her, you absolutely don't have to take any responsibility for her laundry!

Yes to this suggestion!!
And definitely stop bothering to deal with her washing.

Once you've spoken to her, depending on her reaction......... if she carries on doing this Id be tempted to induce a freak tornado or two. 😂

I would put out all my foldable garden furniture, maybe some easy to move pots (for when the grass cutters come) and an airer even if it doesn’t have laundry on it where she keeps putting her laundry in front of your flat. Claim it as your own.

From your excellent diagram: She's putting it there so her undies aren't in the middle of everyone's communal garden. She is trying to be discreet and please the others not annoy you

When you have your laundry in your airer, does she put hers next to it?

No because I put mine on the patio away from the wind tunnel. If she put hers on her patio she would also not have her airer fall over repeatedly - also were to bring inside if it rains!

I suspect she is using the most private part, but annoyingly invading my privacy too, I do have windows down the side where she is putting hers.

Perhaps I should feel complimented that she doesn’t mind me seeing her knickers 😆

it’s on and off sunny today and I don’t have anything to do other than potter around cleaning etc, so going to park my bum on my folding chairs (I will get all 4 out even though it’s just me here today!) and finish the book I started 4 months ago.

She’s found a nice secluded part of the gardens for her washing, but you feel it’s YOUR nice secluded spot? :-)

It is inconsiderate of your neighbour to continue putting laundry so close to your home and on your part of the grounds now you live there. I do think it was a caretaker's flat originally and she may know it as such.

I suspect she hasn't given your position a thought and just carried on as before you moved in.

If I had a private garden I would PREFER to use that over a communal area - that's what I don't understand 🤷

Whilst technically not wrong as it’s communal, are you sure there’s no covenant written in about washing hanging at the front? I’ve lived in flats before and it specifically said that the area to the rear was to be used for washing and no hanging any on balconies or airers at the front that can be seen from the road.

Personally I’d start airing mine in front of her flat. If it’s not a problem in any way, she won’t have an issue 🤷🏻‍♀️ if she does you can point out it’s annoying isn’t it and the only way to get your point across, which is that she’s walking in front of your windows and hanging her laundry in front of them.

Your neighbour possibly thinks her washiing is safer on your lawn as you are off the beaten track and possibly around more than she is. It's not uncommon for washing to be stolen from communal flat gardens.

I suggest reading your lease to see what is permitted in the communal areas.

I also am very surprised that hanging out washing or airing mats is allowed under provisions of your lease.

In my view she’s us in your area because it’s out of sight. So if I’m correct then remind her that she’s legally bound by the provisions in her lease contract

Train yourself out of being a "people pleaser"! It doesn't just mean being kind and nice, it means putting yourself last and letting people take advantage of you. She isn't being kind to you, she's giving you an unwanted view of her washing so that her view from her own windows is nicer.
Don't pick her washing up. She put it there, she can look after it.

I’d be putting a nice bird feeder out there so the birds poo on her washing. But there again I’m just petty 🤭

You are not being unreasonable. Ask the landlord for clarification in writing. Describe what she is doing. In the same letter ask the landlord if you can put a 3 ft tall fence around your lawn. Cite odd behavior and privacy concerns.

I would not be picking up her washing. I would ask her why she leaves it there and not outside her own flat. Personally I think YANBU.

I think a nice smelly bbq (if allowed) is a must!

Yes lease covenants on washing, can your area be made more private for security concerns.

how did yesterday go?