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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Neighbours are mental!

15 replies

Curlyhair40 · 22/08/2019 21:39

Can anyone offer advice please? I have privately rented my house for ten years, and the people next door are retired busybodies.
They are friendly with the landlords parents and literally report my every move to them, which has me having no end of harassment from the letting agent.
I removed a rotting old shed from the garden, majorly improving it, and it was reported. I have placed flowers outside my door and caught them taking photographs.
They have insinuated that my wheelie bin is causing rats if I put it out too early on the day of collection.
I have raised my family here and never been noisy, dirty, or disrespectful.
I don’t have dogs or other animals that may cause annoyance, or any loud vehicles.
They plain and simple have some kind of twisted vendetta!
Can i report this harassment? Or do anything to get them off my case and to mind their own business?

OP posts:
EmmiJay · 22/08/2019 21:42

You said it yourself really...they're busybodies. Petty me says 'give them something to complain about.' However, sensible me says 'record their complaints, keep a log and report to whoever you need to report to.'

Pipandmum · 22/08/2019 21:43

I’d talk to your agent. Say how you are feeling especially if it’s coming back to you through them. As a long standing tenant they should want to keep you happy. Yo are entitled to the quiet enjoyment of your property.

PersonaNonGarter · 22/08/2019 21:45

I think if you have been a good tenant your landlord will want to know if this is making you uncomfortable. Write a concise list of the busibody behaviours and incidents. Send it to landlord copied to agent.

Original poster
Curlyhair40 · 22/08/2019 21:46

Thanks!
Honestly I just want them to leave me alone, I’ve never had an issue with the landlord, and was so delighted this year that the garden was done and looking great
(They’re avid gardeners so I think a bit jealous)
I’ve not had a house inspection for 2 years, and yet get a letter this morning for one a week after I caught them taking photographs!
In a way I’m glad that the lettings agent will see how nice I keep the home, but at the same time feel like my privacy is constantly invaded due to their meddling!

OP posts:
PennyNotSoWise · 22/08/2019 21:50

I'd have a word with the letting agent, just tell them how harassed you feel. This is harassment, and it's not fair on you to have to live this way at all.

And taking photographs of you? Is that even legal, without your permission? So intrusive and rude. Actually, it's bonkers! What's so offensive about planting flowers Confused

CSIblonde · 22/08/2019 21:53

I think all you can do is not give them amunition or react. Some people like to poke to get a reaction, they thrive an aggro. The landlord will see at his check there's nothing to worry about. If you know their routine, avoid them & maybe ask LL if he's OK with CC TV on the front for 'safety' (in reality so you can monitor their snooping if it escalates or gets nasty). .

CSIblonde · 22/08/2019 21:56

Forgot to say, worked in Lettings, LL & agents never want to be bothered with noeighbour disputes. They're just bothered you're paying rent & not trashing it.

Original poster
Curlyhair40 · 22/08/2019 21:58

Thankyou, I feel so violated by them, could understand if I was noisy, or had a bunch of wild kids, but it’s neither!
They’re the type to look down their nose at me for renting, even though I worked out that I’ve paid £69,000 in rent since living here! And god knows how much else on decorating etc
My husband left a few years ago and it’s been a struggle keeping the house on by myself but I’ve never been late with the rent, never had repairs done, just kept my head down and got on with it
Spent months in the spring getting garden nice by myself and was so proud of it, they just make me feel like rubbish.

OP posts:
MsSquiz · 22/08/2019 22:01

Do mention it to your agent, and ask them to keep a copy of the email you send informing them of all the occurrences (with dates) in your file.

When I worked for an agent, we had one poor tenant who was constantly getting grief from a downstairs neighbour who claimed she had men coming and going at all hours (single parent), she had locked her daughter out on the balcony in winter while she partied (they were out of the country and sent us scanned copies of their tickets!) and rang the police to report her for various things.

The LL contacted us as he was contacted by the block management company (due to the complaints from the neighbour) and we could back up our tenant's side and the LL was fine with it

Original poster
Curlyhair40 · 22/08/2019 22:05

Great Thankyou!
I will keep a log from now on, and email agent to let them know how much of an intrusion I feel this is becoming.
Although I want to give them a piece of my mind I know they will play this to their advantage massively!

OP posts:
Cherrysoup · 22/08/2019 22:20

You can refuse a property check, you know this, don’t you? Tell them to take a running jump given their lack of help with the idiot neighbours. Have you spoken to the neighbours?

I was told that neighbour disputes are not my remit as a ll when I wanted to help my tenant. 😢 Keep a log and phone 101 for advice. Tell the neighbours you have done so.

mumwon · 22/08/2019 22:24

hmm maybe start taking photos of them taking photos ...

StoneofDestiny · 22/08/2019 22:30

Turn the tables on them. Take pics of them taking pics of you and yours, record on your phone any conversations they have with you, tell the landlord they are stalking you and if it continues you will take it further.

StoneofDestiny · 22/08/2019 22:31

Oops - mumwon

EverTheConundrum · 22/08/2019 23:50

Omg I had this! Exact scenario. I eventually had no option but to get Police Community Support Officer to go and have a word. Stopped immediately.

Luckily my agents were just as pissed off with the constant complaints as I was.

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