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Original poster

AIBU re this odd request from neighbours?

485 replies

yorkshapudding · 02/08/2015 16:51

Our NDN's came over to tell us that they are having some work done in their back garden starting tomorrow- having a fence built, some trees cut down, rubbish cleared etc. They estimate it will be about two full days work, possibly more. They then told us that they were going away and would not be back until after the job has finished. They explained that they don't want to leave the workmen a key for "security reasons" so this means they will have no power source to plug tools in, no access to a bathroom or kettle etc. so would we be in and if so would we mind 'helping out' with those things.

I explained that DH will be at work and while I am actually off work for the next couple of days, I will have various errands, things to do, want to take DC out etc. so will be in and out of the house. They then asked when I was planning on going out so they could let their workmen know and saying "oh don't worry, they'll work around you". I told them that I hadn't made firm plans and didn't know when I would be going out. To be honest I don't really want to be tied to a schedule and I also don't like the idea of three strange men traipsing around my house for two days. I told them that I was sorry but they needed to either provide them with a key or arrange for the work to be done at a time when they would be home as we couldn't be on hand for two days to provide cups of tea, electricity and access to bathroom facilities etc.

Although they were polite, I got the distinct feeling that NDN's thought I was being mean and not very neighbourly.

AIBU or is it a bit much to expect me to accommodate all this? Initially I thought they were being cheeky (they don't want to leave these men a key but I should just open my house up to them!) and that it was a bit of a strange request but due to their reaction (they seemed quite surprised that I said no) I'm now doubting myself. They are generally quite annoying neighbours, nothing too awful just a bit noisy and inconsiderate at times, so I don't trust myself to be objective!

OP posts:

Original poster

yorkshapudding · 05/08/2015 18:31

They seem to be running out of steam now...as long as they shut up in time for bake off

OP posts:

The5DayChicken · 05/08/2015 18:33

I would definitely not go round if they're rowing with everyone in sight! They obviously overestimated how much the builders could get done without electricity! Serves the twits right. Very amused that they think the fence thingimabobs should be on your side...wouldn't they then be on your property? Wouldn't be surprised if they knocked on later.

QueenOfThorns · 05/08/2015 18:36

Well I'm glad they're unhappy, but I hope they don't come round and take it up with you during Bake Off. That would be the most unreasonable thing they'd done so far

BerylStreep · 05/08/2015 18:37

In all seriousness, there is no need for you to go and speak to them. They tried to take the piss, you were quietly assertive in dealing with it. No more action required.

The5DayChicken · 05/08/2015 18:37

If someone interrupted me watching bake off to discuss how entitled they are, they'd be feeling particularly sorry for themselves afterwards.

prettybird · 05/08/2015 18:38

Re the fence posts, it would appear that while the fence posts on the owner's side is the norm, it's not an absolute requirement. This is quite interesting.

But I don't get the impression that the NDNs would've wanted to "gift" the few extra inches that fence posts on your side would've given you. They'd have expected that the fence itself ran along the boundary line - and that YOU should've had the fence posts on your land.

Be thankful to those builders - they've saved you the expense of a boundary dispute!

Preminstreltension · 05/08/2015 18:42

Love that your NDN thought he could choose to make your side look shit

Original poster

yorkshapudding · 05/08/2015 18:46

I'm going to leave it. I've had a difficult enough day, really can't be bothered to deal with them. I wasn't looking to start an argument. I was just going to tell them that I was disappointed that they had told the builders they could use our electric, facilities when we'd actually said no and that I expect a bit more consideration in future. They're clearly in no mood to have a reasonable conversation though so there's no point.

I doubt they'll come round. It's between them and the builders, surely? Also, I would have thought they'd be embarrassed and want to avoid me since they clearly told their builders they had permission to use our electric when they didn't.

OP posts:

The5DayChicken · 05/08/2015 18:49

Any reasonable person would be embarrassed, but a reasonable person wouldn't have sent the builders to you after being told no either!

PestoSwimissimos · 05/08/2015 18:57

Ha ha ha! Great update OP, they do sound like a right couple of twonks

YouTheCat · 05/08/2015 19:01

I'd like to take bets on them kicking off and blaming you for the builders and their lack of building once they have stopped arguing with each other.

FishWithABicycle · 05/08/2015 19:11

Thanks for the update op. For your sake I hope everything descends into such peace and tranquillity that there is nothing further for you to update us with.

Melawen · 05/08/2015 19:12

Well that's just typical isn't it!? If they'd stayed behind like normal people then they'd have sorted out the fence height and all the other work they wanted doing! Serves them right if you ask me!

CrispyCrispBag · 05/08/2015 19:13

Great update OP! I'm also nominating this thread for Classics!

londonrach · 05/08/2015 19:16

Sorry crispy already nomated and ive got a lovely email from mnhq to prove it....thanks op for update...x

LittleChinaPig · 05/08/2015 19:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Panzee · 05/08/2015 19:19

Props to the builders for making sure the posts were on their side. If the neighbours were in that might have gone wrong for you.

I agree to leave it, they know what they did and know that you know. That would be enough for me. And you know how pissed off they are. Don't give them the chance to offload and blame you. :o

Marmitelover55 · 05/08/2015 19:23

Offload or download!

GinandJag · 05/08/2015 19:26

When we had a lot of garden work done recently, the contractors used petrol driven equipment and had their own generator. The brought their own tea. No need for access to the house.

Littlecaf · 05/08/2015 19:29

Love this thread. Have spent two evenings feeding baby DS reading this. Can't believe it's over. Going into mourning now. OP, hope you can relax now and pls don't worry about work or clearly looney NDN.

Incidentally it's a real bug bear of mine, fence posts on the outside. It's generally traditional to put them on the inside so that the world has a good impression of your property, but nowadays too many people have it the other way round. I once made a builder and house owner take a fence down for doing that!

MintJulip · 05/08/2015 19:29

I definitely think you should introduce the other neighbour to MN. It sounds like she would love it. And she has the spirit of the Blitz. Not leaving her post so she could update you (thus enabling you to update us) that they had not left to 'do a toilet'. Dedication

This is all cheering me sooo much,

ElementaryMyDearWatson · 05/08/2015 19:31

What sort of dreadful upbringing are you giving to your DD that she doesn't know not to interrupt eavesdropping on a good row with totally unreasonable demands for food? Doesn't she know that the need to give a full report back to MM outweighs mere hunger every time?

Original poster

yorkshapudding · 05/08/2015 19:34

Elementary, I know! I have clearly failed as a Mother

OP posts:

MrsWembley · 05/08/2015 19:39

For the new curse of 'weeping bicycle monkeys' alone, this deserves to be in Classics!

Thank-you, Yorksha.

paulapompom · 05/08/2015 19:41

They sound awful but hilarious, I'm still laughing about him sauntering about in his short dressing gown trying to look nonchalant .

We have been discussing a screenplay - would Jack black be a good casting for m ndn would you say? X

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