Angry with neighbour!

[Mountainsfar]

I’m so upset and need some advice.

A few weeks ago, I came back from the school run and saw next door’s builders working on a new garden room. They were spray painting wooden panels with black paint. When I went outside, I realised the paint had blown over into my garden.

My brand new fence, feature wall, patio tiles, kids’ sensory toys (including a dizzy spinner that turned from green to blackish), trampoline, artificial grass (very expensive, high quality) — basically anything left out in the garden — was covered in black paint spots.

I asked the workers why they didn’t cover my side, and they said because I wasn’t in. I said they could have at least climbed over or protected it. They promised to clean it and even said they’d replace damaged items. The owner later said it would be cleaned.

They also told me they’d got rid of those workers — but I’ve still seen them around the property, cleaning their old swimming pool. My garden clearly isn’t a priority for them.

We’ve always had a good relationship, which makes this more awkward. But this has honestly annoyed the hell out of me. We worked so hard to pay for this garden — it was done especially for my kids who have sensory needs. Now it just doesn’t feel nice anymore.

It’s been weeks, nothing has been done, and I have a playdate coming up. I just don’t have time to sort this myself, and I’m really frustrated.

Has anyone dealt with something similar?

• How can I clean black spray paint off artificial grass, toys, fence, and patio tiles without ruining them?
• Should I push harder for them to pay for proper cleaning/replacement?

Thank you

That would piss me off! I'd want them to replace everything or provide something to remove the paint from my things.

Won’t it wash off in the rain? While its annoying you can’t expect everything to stay pristine when it’s outside.

If it’s permanent damage and it’s expensive to fix it is worth taking them to a small claims court.

You need to give them a clear time scale: "Please can you get this all cleaned up by Wednesday as I have friends coming round for a garden event. If that's not possible for you, I'm happy to arrange for some professional cleaners to come in, and pass on the bill".

No hasn't washed off.

Have you spoken to your neighbors and asked for a date when it will be rectified?

PS obvious litigation comes after perusing them for recovery of losses. Write to your neighbour first. Either they or the company they are using should be able to recover the cost using their own insurance.

Home insurance legal advice is the route I’d take. They are aware and have made no effort to rectify so id take advice.

I’d start to be more persistent and asking when they intend to rectify the damage. I’d be bloody pissed off too!

They've got no intention of fixing it. I'd be talking to my house insurers legal department.

It’s outdoor paint, it’s not going to wash off. Also yes things won’t stay pristine, but I don’t think anyone expects to them to get covered in paint.

They absolutely need to fix it. What’s your patio made of? If it’s not sandstone or limestone, I’d probably start with pressure washing. They should do it, and rent a professional one.

I’d pop around to your neighbour and say you have a deadline of whenever the playdate is. Can the builders clean it? Otherwise ask them for the money upfront to book someone yourself.

I'd put everything in writing - a list of what's been damaged and how (may be with photos), what remedy you require for each (cleaning/replacement etc), and a deadline for remedy.
State if this isn't met, you will be seeking legal advice.

I would contact my home insurers and lodge a claim. A loss adjuster will come round and if it’s like my cover it would be new for old. I think you’re looking at them replacing everything and them spending about £20k plus. The insurance company will go for the other parties house insurance so you may not have to do anything.

Obviously not. Why would someone use washable spray paint (if that even exists) on an outdoor structure??

It will probably pressure wash off but they should be doing it - give them a deadline

Have you spoken to your neighbours again to ask when it will get sorted?

Thank you for all your replies. I’m going to speak to the neighbour and ask for a deadline.

The grass, it won't come off, you'll either have to wait for it to fade or replace it. Plastic toys, it might, but you'd probably have to scrape it.

Fence paint is designed to stain and to not wash off.

Good, don't forget to take photos though.

I can’t see how it can come off. Sorry but I suspect you are looking at replacing things now. I think you’ve made a mistake leaving it so long .. might have been better to have kept asking them every few days otherwise it looks like you are more relaxed about it. I’d give them a final deadline ( not an ultimatum) and then if nothing happens start getting g quotes for replacements. At the same time speak to your home insurers. Neighbours might be able to claim on their insurance although I doubt it.