To ask neighbours to turn their outside lights down at night

[Hallabaleeps]

My neighbours just got some new garden lights. They have lots of different colour settings but sometimes put a really bright white setting on which shines into our bedroom- we’re the upstairs flat above them and we can’t block it out even with blinds and curtains shut. I sent a text late one night (11.30ish) because the light was keeping me awake asking if they could switch to a dimmer colour when it’s late at night and also saying that I know there’s no way they would know it was affecting us and wasn’t at all annoyed. I got a short reply telling me I was being beyond petty. I sent a really apologetic text the next day saying I hadn’t meant to offend and had been trying to let them know in a friendly way. I don’t think I was being unreasonable but we normally get on well with our neighbours and are able to tell eachother when there’s an issue on either side. Maybe in trying to be politie I came across as patronising??She’s been like this once or twice before, but not sure what to do. I don’t want to fall out but I think people should tell their neighbours when there’s an issue because often they just don’t realise...

Don’t creep around the issue, just say the light is bothering you and can they turn the lights down at night. Keep it simple and direct. If they don’t turn them down then I suggest an accident with garden shears 🤫

Just keep it short and to the point next time then. No need to beat around the bush, just tell them that their lights are too bright and can they please turn them off. If they don't agree there are a number of ways to tackle it. If it's a HA or council flat, tell them. If it's privately rented, find the landlord.
Go to the council for advice if owned or they won't comply.

Or.... snippity snip snip with the wires!

no, YANBU. Are you and her homeowners or tenants?

Our neightbours put a strange very bright light in their kitchen which shines directly into our bathroom - you get it straight in the eyes when you walk into the bathroom, there's no avoiding it. Within days we asked them to no use this light - and they don't. (It's not an essential light in their kitchen.)

YANBU to object to their lights shining in at night.Personally I hate too much lighting outside at night,inconsiderate and messes up wildlife rhythms and a waste of energy.Security lighting on a sensor is a different thing to bright light on all night.
However texting at 11.30 at night ? I understand that's when it's bugging you,but in neighbourly matters would always go round at a reasonable time,not late and not just as they crash in the door from work,and politely discuss face to face.Far less likely to escalate into a grudge fest or sour relations permanently.

Yup you are right I shouldn’t have texted. I just wanted them to turn them down at that point and didn’t want to go downstairs. Will have a word later!

Try a fave to face talk with whichever one of them seems the more reasonable.