Page 23 | LL came into my garden and removed my bird feeders

goodoldsussexbythesea · 2026-04-26T15:01:30+00:00

My landlady lives locally and often drives past my house. Early this morning, I was in my front garden, filling my bird feeders, and she pulled over and said that the advice from the RSPB is not to feed birds from feeders any more. I told her that actually, the advice is not to feed them seeds and peanuts between May-October this year and I'm planning on following the advice so I was just using up the last of my seed now as it's not May yet. She got really defensive and said "well, I just think it's important to follow the advice so I'd rather you didn't do it, please take the feeders down!!" which really annoyed me so I said, well it's not May yet so no, and anyway the advice is that you can feed them (small amounts of) mealworm and suet balls after May so I will be doing that, and she didn't say anything else, just drove off. This really wound me up and I was annoyed for the rest of the day, took the kids out to a farm park and I arrived home an hour ago, and my feeders have gone out of my garden!!! I checked my ring doorbell and she's bloody come into the garden, armed with a plastic carrier bag, removed my feeders and taken them away!! I rang her three times back to back and she wouldn't pick up, so I whatsapped her and it immediately went to two blue ticks. I said - "Please return my bird feeders immediately, they are my property and you had no right to take them. I am following the advice but even if I was not, you still have no right to take my things." After half an hour she replied "I am not currently allowing tenants to use bird feeders at my properties and have asked that they all be removed. I was passing so I removed yours for you, they are in safe keeping and will be returned in October" My AIBU is not about who was in the right because I bloody well know I am, but whether or not I should call the police. I spoke to my neighbour about it and she said I shouldn't and that I should just replace them and remove the cost from the rent. She says she's obviously nuts and I shouldn't risk falling out with her YABU - Don't call police, replace and charge her or do something else YANBU - Call the police, report her for theft, and give them the doorbell footage.

SethBrogan · 30/04/2026 16:44

DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 30/04/2026 10:23

OP, I completely understand why you are so justifiably angry about this LL. I admire your bravery and I'm one of the first people to say stand up to bullies. I also understand about wanting to set an example to your children about standing up for themselves and being assertive.

But as someone who has experienced bullying I have learnt to pick my battles (and I've been involved in legal action twice - and won - although going through that often doesn't feel like winning)
But there is more than one way to manage a bully.
Sometimes, yes.. you have to take a stand and damn the consequences... other times you can take a big step back and think to yourself.. This person thinks they will get the better of me but I will manage them, so that they do not succeed. This is playing the long game.
Manage them in this context means you think about your end goals. Setting aside how angry they make you... what you want to achieve at the end of this. Whats the best possible outcome for you?
My assumption would be that the best possible outcome for you would be

to stay in your lovely home,
To have a better relationship with your LL so that when you NEED something from her, boiler repairs, Plumbing repairs - whatever.. you will be able to remain on civil terms and so will she.
your children to see that you can have a difficult situation and assert yourself and find a way to solve it.

You don't have to respect her, or like her, you can condemn her, but you can also manage her... so that at the end of the day she does your bidding and not the other way round
That is still standing up for yourself and not letting a bully get to you so that you take a risk that could have repercussions for you.
Respectfully that is not being cowed by a bully or letting them walk over you.That is winning.

I totally understand your anger and wanting to teach her a lesson. She is a stupid person. And unpleasant. But Why not try managing her first?

Your letter is incendiary.. and she'd love that. She'd love to know how angry she's made you. But don't let her goad you, that's you standing up for yourself and staying in control of the situation. I understand that the names etc are jokes et but. The tone is really aggressive and demanding not assertive.
The things you actually want from her are clouded by this language. If she wanted to get you out of the property she could use that letter against you.

It's easier to start softly and subsequently keep raising the volume rather than go in all guns blazing, how can one top that.

The bones are. You would like her to return your property, of course and she was very wrong to take it. You have the higher ground at this stage.

The issue was over the bird feeding/// maybe start with calmly and very civility

"I share your concerns for the welfare of birds and wildlife (horrible) LL but I can assure you I'm aware of RSPB guidelines would never endanger the safety of any wildlife. I understand your issue re bird feeding but having doubled checked " ... quoting RSPB and even enclosing a leaflet which nails it. Say in a calm and polite way. No emotive language.

However, I would like you to return my bird feeders. You took them from the garden without further discussion whilst I was out. My children asked for these items for our new garden and were very excited to have them. They were very upset that someone took things from our garden.They are still unsettled by the move and affects their feeling of security in their new home to feel that things can just be taken away whilst we are out and it would greatly reassure them if the items were returned.

Shall we agree a convenient date for you to return of my items now rather than October as you previously stated. It would save you the inconvenience of having to store them in good condition for the next six months. I know my children would be greatly relieved and I think it would be the kind thing to do. I am happy for the items to be left outside the garden gate on any of these dates next week. Please let me know which would be the most convenient day for you."

Kind Regards.

This is only a suggestion but why not try it as a FIRST STEP. not the final step, just the first step.
What have you got to lose? No court would ever say that was an unreasonable letter, yet you have in writing stated that she entered property without asking and removed your stuff without permission and is witholding them. She will know that. She will know that she cannot goad you into hasty actions. You have retained the higher ground. That is assertive.
The ball is in her court then. She may even return them.She will have to spend mental energy thinking how to deal with it. You will have proved her wrong on all counts in the politest possible way, so she cannot even complain about it. That is a win! If not, you can write again next week and yes recorded delivery is a good idea. She may write a rude letter back, and she will prove herself even more in the wrong.

You can still be angry about it, but can take comfort in the fact that you've shown she can't get to you, she can't stop you taking control of the situation, and you've still got the higher ground and can bring out the big guns and the legal quotes at a later stage. You've only been in the property a short while and if you needed LL help for leaks or boilers or anything else, you've still got wiggle room.

This would be controlling and managing a difficult person. It demonstrates to any court that you are reasonable, and can put across you points without backing down. There is more than one way to stand up to a bully. LLs have a certain knowledge of the law and this makes you look like a very good tenant. she will know that. It will make her treat you differently.

It's entirely up to you what you do next but before you do send the letter previously suggested I do think it would be wise to consult either CAB or Shelter which has excellent resources on LL /Tenant relations and an advice line for RL advice.
Wishing you and your lovely little ones every success.

Edited

Urgh please don’t take this approach OP. It’s so spineless and absolutely does not deal with bullying behaviour.

DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 30/04/2026 18:10

If you read my post. It is suggested as a first step. And just simply detailing what happened, which does point out what LL did wrong and asking in writing for her stuff back. A mediation service would suggest that.

I said if that doesn't work then step it up.

But she ought to take RL advice from CAB or Shelter.

Its not spineless to take charge of the situation and work out how to get what she wants.

takingsometime · 30/04/2026 18:55

My OH and I argue about this every year. He puts the feeders out even though I say they encourage rats and I don't want them in my garden. When I see my first rat they get taken down and the rat traps get put out. I don't agree with how your landlady has gone about it, but it's her property and her responsibility to keep it rat free.

SpryTaupeTurtle · 30/04/2026 19:47

takingsometime · 30/04/2026 18:55

My OH and I argue about this every year. He puts the feeders out even though I say they encourage rats and I don't want them in my garden. When I see my first rat they get taken down and the rat traps get put out. I don't agree with how your landlady has gone about it, but it's her property and her responsibility to keep it rat free.

This has nothing to do with rats. That is not why the feeders were removed. It's to do with feeding guidelines around small birds

SheSaidHummingbird · 30/04/2026 23:10

WhatAboutSecondBreakfast86 · 30/04/2026 07:10

Don't be so ridiculous.

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How so?

TyneTeas · 01/05/2026 00:52

Hi @goodoldsussexbythesea this has landed on Bored Panda www.boredpanda.com/landlady-remove-bird-feeders/

Friendlygingercat · 01/05/2026 01:24

I believe that letter is far too extreme, quoting laws at this stage. If you send a letter like that she will have time to stew over it and take advice. I would still advocate going to see your LL in person, taking a friend for support. This will catch her completely on one foot and not give her time to think.

I would say in a polite but firm voice that "I have called for the return of my property which was taken without consent". You hope that we can settle this matter now without having to resort to further action. You are not children in school where the teacher has the right to confiscate your property. You are business partners with a contract.

In the event of a refusal you can then go on to point out that as a customer you have the right to quiet enjoyment and you do not expect your service provider to enter the premises uninvited without a pre-arranged appoitment.

CoalTit · 01/05/2026 01:40

FairKoala · 30/04/2026 15:46

I think the problem with not doing anything (I have found to my cost) is that it now gives the landlord Carte Blanche to take what ever they want

If you do take it to court I was told that not doing anything about the first few times it happened meant I was ok with what he took and so that meant I was giving landlord permission to take anything.

What! Who told you that?

MyCottageGarden · 01/05/2026 01:57

Well done for standing up for what you believe in, OP! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

SethBrogan · 01/05/2026 09:09

Friendlygingercat · 01/05/2026 01:24

I believe that letter is far too extreme, quoting laws at this stage. If you send a letter like that she will have time to stew over it and take advice. I would still advocate going to see your LL in person, taking a friend for support. This will catch her completely on one foot and not give her time to think.

I would say in a polite but firm voice that "I have called for the return of my property which was taken without consent". You hope that we can settle this matter now without having to resort to further action. You are not children in school where the teacher has the right to confiscate your property. You are business partners with a contract.

In the event of a refusal you can then go on to point out that as a customer you have the right to quiet enjoyment and you do not expect your service provider to enter the premises uninvited without a pre-arranged appoitment.

So you want the OP to pay an unsolicited visit to her LL’s house to complain about her LL paying an unsolicited visit to the OP’s house? And taking a friend along? Why are so many people so wet?

Beachtastic · 01/05/2026 09:13

I don't think it's "wet" to be careful and pragmatic about how you deal with someone wholly unreasonable who owns the place you live in.

WhatAboutSecondBreakfast86 · 01/05/2026 09:22

Beachtastic · 01/05/2026 09:13

I don't think it's "wet" to be careful and pragmatic about how you deal with someone wholly unreasonable who owns the place you live in.

It's all changed now the LL won't have a leg to stand on.

tinyspiny · 01/05/2026 10:02

WhatAboutSecondBreakfast86 · 01/05/2026 09:22

It's all changed now the LL won't have a leg to stand on.

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She can still just sell the house, which is what lots of landlords are now going to be doing

WhatAboutSecondBreakfast86 · 01/05/2026 10:27

tinyspiny · 01/05/2026 10:02

She can still just sell the house, which is what lots of landlords are now going to be doing

Edited

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She could do this anytime though, regardless of the bird feeder drama. It's still a ballache for the LL though.

SethBrogan · 01/05/2026 15:29

tinyspiny · 01/05/2026 10:02

She can still just sell the house, which is what lots of landlords are now going to be doing

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She can’t “just” do anything with the new laws now thankfully. And any landlord who would sell a house over a row about bird feeders would be insane.

tinyspiny · 01/05/2026 15:36

SethBrogan · 01/05/2026 15:29

She can’t “just” do anything with the new laws now thankfully. And any landlord who would sell a house over a row about bird feeders would be insane.

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You’ve got to be pretty unstable to think that you can go onto your tenants garden and take them in the first place and I’m not sure I’d want to stay being the landlord of a tenant who had threatened me with court action .

SethBrogan · 01/05/2026 15:40

tinyspiny · 01/05/2026 15:36

You’ve got to be pretty unstable to think that you can go onto your tenants garden and take them in the first place and I’m not sure I’d want to stay being the landlord of a tenant who had threatened me with court action .

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But the LL still couldn’t “just” sell. There are a lot of hoops to jump through now and I don’t think a lot of LLs realise the extent of the new laws. Would you be prepared to admit defeat and return £30 bird feeders or take your tenant to court to get them evicted, and then have your property sit empty for a year so you can sell it? The LL certainly has more to lose in this case.

FlipARock · 01/05/2026 16:02

SethBrogan · 01/05/2026 15:40

But the LL still couldn’t “just” sell. There are a lot of hoops to jump through now and I don’t think a lot of LLs realise the extent of the new laws. Would you be prepared to admit defeat and return £30 bird feeders or take your tenant to court to get them evicted, and then have your property sit empty for a year so you can sell it? The LL certainly has more to lose in this case.

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There are lots of very rich landlords who this wouldn’t bother at all, and as has been said, if you are crazy enough to take someone else’s property because they have said no to you, who knows what this LL would be willing to do if OP tries to hold her to account. It’s not a risk I would take in OPs situation with young children. This LL has shown already that she’s willing to do things that others wouldn’t so who knows where she would stop.

nevernotmaybe · 01/05/2026 16:34

tinyspiny · 01/05/2026 15:36

You’ve got to be pretty unstable to think that you can go onto your tenants garden and take them in the first place and I’m not sure I’d want to stay being the landlord of a tenant who had threatened me with court action .

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The fact you think being taken to court for illegally taking property and not returning it is a shocking development, suggests you are as unstable as the landlord in question.

SethBrogan · 01/05/2026 16:42

FlipARock · 01/05/2026 16:02

There are lots of very rich landlords who this wouldn’t bother at all, and as has been said, if you are crazy enough to take someone else’s property because they have said no to you, who knows what this LL would be willing to do if OP tries to hold her to account. It’s not a risk I would take in OPs situation with young children. This LL has shown already that she’s willing to do things that others wouldn’t so who knows where she would stop.

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As the OP has said, she is no longer prepared to be bullied. Good on her.

RoseField1 · 01/05/2026 17:11

goodoldsussexbythesea · 29/04/2026 21:40

TYSM. I am by no means unbroken but I am fighting!

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I'm right behind you OP. Don't let this lie. Have you sent it?

BringBackCatsEyes · 01/05/2026 17:33

On behalf of garden birds and bullied tenants, I salute you OP

BooseysMom · 02/05/2026 19:09

takingsometime · 30/04/2026 18:55

My OH and I argue about this every year. He puts the feeders out even though I say they encourage rats and I don't want them in my garden. When I see my first rat they get taken down and the rat traps get put out. I don't agree with how your landlady has gone about it, but it's her property and her responsibility to keep it rat free.

Rats are everywhere people are, regardless of feeders. Feeding birds is vital when caterpillars and other insects are in sharp decline due to climate change and pesticide use. Read the thread and guidelines from RSPB. We are heading towards a world without birds except gulls and corvids that benefit from the mess we leave everywhere.

BringBackCatsEyes · 02/05/2026 22:44

BooseysMom · 02/05/2026 19:09

Rats are everywhere people are, regardless of feeders. Feeding birds is vital when caterpillars and other insects are in sharp decline due to climate change and pesticide use. Read the thread and guidelines from RSPB. We are heading towards a world without birds except gulls and corvids that benefit from the mess we leave everywhere.

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When I had a rat in my home (eugh) the first thing pest control asked was whether I had feeders. I think there is a correlation.
He also noted how near to the river I was and that I had a compost pile.
The local cats keep the birds out of my garden 🙁

SpryTaupeTurtle · 02/05/2026 23:43

There are other humane ways of getting rid of rats without traps - this issue also has zero to do with rats. The landlady took them down because of advice re feeding birds between may and October. Zero to do with rats as has been said many times already on this thread