To be sick of the neighbours looking into our garden?

[Wannakisstheteacher]

Background: house is rented so fence cannot be changed.

We live in a semi. Garden fence between us is a chain link about waist high across 2/3 of the garden and a wooden 6ft fence for the other 1/3 closest to the house where the patios are. NDN have a table in the garden and eat there every night in the summer. AIBU to think it’s really fucking rude that they’ve pushed the table right up against the chain link part of the fence so they are sat there looking into our garden? Why would they not have their table on the patio where the wooden part is so we both have some privacy or at least not right up against the fence?!

It’s pathetic, I know. But I just hate going into the garden in the evening as they just sit there with their endless stream of guests, and watch everything we do. It’s just so awkward.

I’d buy a long windbreaker and put it up in your garden. The landlord cannot object to that.

Given the landlord obviously has some kind of relationship with the neighbours, these many ideas about somehow getting back at them or otherwise annoying them are just not very bright.

Either put something large and obnoxious up like an on old tatty windbreaker or bedsheet so they get the message.

Or just simply acknowledge them everything they look, comments along the lines of ‘sorry did you say something’ ‘did you want me’ ‘can I help you’ escalating in passive aggressiveness until you reach the MN favourite of ‘would trunky like a bun’

Or sunbath topless.

@Summerisntwhatitusedtobe

God, this is my worst nightmare, I really feel for you. Why on earth would their preference be to sit there, rather than at the top? Surely they’re still looking out onto their whole garden? Have you got dc’s? Make them run around and play in the sprinklers, screaming in delight at that time, or a dog, just let it out and it’ll sit exactly by them where the food is 🤣 I’m like you, op and would feel a bit awkward about doing something/being out there…however, the way they’re just brazenly sitting out there, watching you bringing in your washing, as if you’re disturbing them would make me so angry, I’d have to be out there every night. It’s your garden too, you’re entitled to enjoy it in the summer. Put your table where you want it, some little lights up, friends round and sod them

OP I agree with this, sounds like they’ve done it in the hope you don’t use your garden. Put screening up of sorts (loads of great ideas in the comments) and use your garden, the sun won’t be around for long, make sure you enjoy it ☺️

Huge windbreak or nudity seem to be your only options

Get a non fixed/movable summer house or gazebo pop that up by where they put their table. Would it fill enough of the gap?

Is go with the gazebo. You can put two sides on which would kill their view into your garden giving you at least some privacy.

If they complain firstly wtf?? Secondly you are creating a shaded area to sit in in this heat.

I agree with the gazebo idea. We have one partly for privacy. Instead of standard sides we have voile curtains with dress making weights in the hem. They're usually tied to the legs and we undo them for shade/privacy as needed.

We also have planters like Soontobe60's photo. We bought heavy wooden planters and screwed trellis fence panels to them and stapled shade netting over the back. They can't be seen through but also don't catch the wind and fall over.

I think you need to approach the neighbours. Just be direct and ask them to move the table as you would like privacy in your garden. If they say no, ask them is there a reason why they sit there looking into your garden. Try to find a solution with them. I agree that this would be very uncomfortable and an invasion of privacy. Have a conversation and make some suggestions to try to rectify.

@derekthe1adyhamster

Bamboo in pots??

Good idea.

Something that doesn't look permanent but kind of is.

Make a hinged screen wannerkisstgeteachee. Nothing fancy although a fancy one might be quite nice and as it would be free standing, the LL can say a fecking dickiebird!

Set up a large camera on a tripod and point it at their table. When they come out and sit yell time to turn it on and go and fiddle with the camera.

If it's a rental then I'd just move when the lease is up or get a bench and position it facing their table, then just sit there silently drinking tea staring at them.

Something like this on your side of the fence www.aldi.co.uk/adventuridge-5-pole-windbreak/p/711190480551400?gclid=Cj0KCQjwxdSHBhCdARIsAG6zhlWkmJS5DIexaNEcsCnVStLE6RV55_nPmoEHvLaWJIKhUGJGf6k8pIIaAqoREALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Gazebo up against the fence. Instant privacy.

Put bags of dog poo in your wheely bin (do you have a dog?) Place wheely bin next to fence. In this heat it will not be pleasant, I can vouch for that

Can't believe their rudeness.

I can't help thinking that it's snobbery and they're staring at you like you're beneath them. Or they're just bullies and think they can stop you using your garden and they have a nice view.

I would go for a gazebo in that spot. Only a cheap one as they could try and damage it.

bin with lid fill with water put weeds in let them ferment - you are making liquid manure - when they come or if you know when they will come out leave lid open slightly -the smell is unbelievably disgusting

or practice opera

What does your tenancy agreement say about the garden OP? If it’s merely the boiler plate, standard clause to maintain the garden then go ahead with the planters / pots / umbrella. If it comes to it, you can argue these are not permanent fixtures which support your entitlement to the quiet enjoyment of the property. Agree with PP that whatever you place along the boundary will potentially sour neighbourly relations. But you are entitled to be in your garden and enjoy it so I feel you are within your rights to place whatever objects you like wherever in your garden in the same way the neighbours are entitled to move their table and place it wherever they want in their garden.

Stare back at them.

Pick your nose whilst maintaining eye contact.

I would be so tempted to give them something to look at. Rude slogans on clothes on the clothes line? Really really over the top PDAs...? 🤣

@quizqueen

If it's a rental then I'd just move when the lease is up or get a bench and position it facing their table, then just sit there silently drinking tea staring at them.

And chain smoking. Or get those really really smelly vape things and puff inti their faces?

Planters worked a treat for us and annoying neighbors with a low fence. Means I don't see them anymore. We are now thinking bamboo in pots in between our planters for better coverage. At least you get to move so all is not lost.

Lean over the fence and pick at their food. Hold out your glass for filling up.

Seriously though, please come back and update us OP.