What should I do about the bins?

[NewNNsoShootMe]

We live in a Victorian building converted into 4 flats.

Deeds clearly show communal areas which include designated bin collection area.

So we have duly placed our bin there. Unfortunately this has caused a problem with the new neighbours on the ground floor as they seem to be under the mistaken impression that the land belongs to them.

Even though I have shown them the deeds and had confirmation from the management company that it is a communal bin area, they say they don’t understand (there is a language barrier), are refusing to allow us to put our bin there and wheel it over to the pavement at every opportunity. This is a problem because it’s an finable offence to put private refuse bins on a public path and since the bin has our number on it, we could potentially be slapped with a penalty if we can’t prove it’s the neighbours doing.

It’s becoming a nightmare trying to keep things civil as they are becoming increasingly unpleasant. Unfortunately I think the heart of the problem is that they honestly believe that it is private land and that I have no rights over it.

What should I do?

Call Language Line or similar or ask for a letter to be translated into their language?

That’s a very good suggestion, thank you!

I have no idea what language they speak though. How would I be able to find that out?

Have you approached the management company again. Surely they should take esome responsibility if a tenant is appropriating communal areas!

Surely the management company, landlord or whatever knows what language they speak.

Get the management company to deal with them directly.

Where do the other flats put their bins? Put it with theirs. They probably don't want any mess or smell outside their window. I wouldn't want an ongoing feud because historically bins were or are, elsewhere. I'm not great with our bins being out front to the side of my bay window, but no one in my part of London seems to put bins behind the side gates then only out on bin day , prob due to security issues. We don't have a separate space to use sadly.

Where do the tenants of the other flats put their bins??

That’s the weird thing CSI. There are actually 2 bins already in the area. So I have no idea why it’s only our bin that is causing them so much grief. I am really fussy about separating recycling/food/general waste so it can’t be a shell issue.

*smell

Thanks all. I think I’m going to go back to the management and ask them to deal with the owners.

Make copies of all communication with the Management Company. If the situation is not resolved make it clear, through a solicitor letter in necessary, that with regret any fines you incur will be passed to them for payment. Use copies to send to the agency that fines you so they can send the bailiff to the right place.

Anything you can chain them to in the bin area?

That’s brilliant advice, thanks TSSDNCOP.

I really hope it doesn’t come to that though.

Unfortunately not Fuss. Even if there was, the refuse collectors would need to move them.

How annoying! And them using the «don’t understand» excuse seems quite CF, if you are able to move to a foreign country and rent/buy a property then surly at least one person in the household is able to understand basic English (I say this as a non native English speaker).