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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:
RaptorInaPorkPieHat · 02/08/2015 17:15

Brill Grin

Collaborate's response is spot on for this.

StealthPolarBear · 02/08/2015 17:16

Lurking for tomorroe

Jen1610 · 02/08/2015 17:18

YANBU, please tell us other things they done that got your knickers in a twist. I bet you weren't bu about that either. I do love a good neighbours thread!

80sMum · 02/08/2015 17:18

There was another thread about an almost identical situation to this one not long ago.

I can't believe that neighbours would be so cheeky as to expect that someone would put themselves out to this degree!

StillStayingClassySanDiego · 02/08/2015 17:19

Do not oblige the builders tomorrow if they appear to think you're on board with the neighbours fucking cheeky assumptions.

Fizrim · 02/08/2015 17:20

You need to be out tomorrow in case they do come round!

It is cheeky to ask to use your electricity etc, I've happily let workmen have access through our garden to next door when it's been easier to do the work from our side but they didn't need anything from me.

TestingTestingWonTooFree · 02/08/2015 17:21

My project management fee is £500 per day. If you'd like to pay that upfront then of course I can help.

ShuShuFontana · 02/08/2015 17:21

my only concession would be to hold their key for them, so the builders could collect it and maybe to nip around after the builders to make sure they had locked up properly.

And i'd certainly not hang about supervising, or altering plans for them

Shakey1500 · 02/08/2015 17:22

Bloody cheek of it! I'd purposefully be out that house at 8am tomorrow and not back till 5pm Grin

rockybalboa · 02/08/2015 17:24

What?!? Are you sure they don't mean to leave you the key to then let the builders into their house? Otherwise what they are suggesting sounds bonkers.

SugarOnTop · 02/08/2015 17:25

AIBU or is it a bit much to expect me to accommodate all this?

cheeky entitled fuckers! So you;re meant to be supervising their building/gardening work?!!!! AND meant to provide your own electric and utilities at your own expense?!!!!!

i'd tell them a firm 'no, that doesn't work for us i'm afraid.....however, if you want to leave us your key we will open up and lock up after the workers but will not be held responsible for anything getting broken/damaged/stolen if it should happen'.

cheeky fuckers buggering off on holiday and expecting neighbors to do their job for them!

Floralnomad · 02/08/2015 17:25

YANBU , that's really out of order .

SugarOnTop · 02/08/2015 17:27

if the builders turn up and you have no key for neighbours house - then just tell the builders you're sorry but they'll have to re-arrange the work with the neighbours for when they're at home.

achieve6 · 02/08/2015 17:28

that is one of the maddest things I've ever heard

Of course YANBU!

They clearly arranged this on purpose, they want to be away for noisy work. To then ask you to help out - good grief. The mind boggles Confused

dustarr73 · 02/08/2015 17:28

Oh its gonna be a good thread.I can feel it in my water.Grin

FishWithABicycle · 02/08/2015 17:28

Yanbu the workmen should certainly not be given access to your house and utilities, that would be ridiculous.

Alternative suggestion. Ndn gives you the keys to their house. You may not be around all day but you can presumably be around at 9am and 5pm to unlock and lock up for them?

Cocolepew · 02/08/2015 17:30

Cheeky fuckers, Id have shut the door in their face

antimatter · 02/08/2015 17:31

This is the time when the famous MN saying comes in handy - "No is a full sentence".

they will have no power source to plug tools in - that says it all - NDN assumed that you will them use yours. What a cheek!

BillyJoel · 02/08/2015 17:32

YANBU. The toilet - they want to use YOUR toilet. I am no clean freak, but that is dreadful. Random bums leaving skidmarks in the loo..... big bloody yak!

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 02/08/2015 17:33

Cheeky gits Shock

IF their idea of you "helping out" had been "can you keep the key , give it to them at 8am then they'll push it back through your letterbox at 5pm, is that okay"? then I'd think fair enough

But for them to escape the noise, mess and inconvenience while expecting you to provide facilities for them?
Sod that Angry

LIZS · 02/08/2015 17:33

You should not be made responsible for the workman . At best offer to hold the key overnight. You can hand it the workman tomorrow whenever you are in and they can post it back through next door when finished.

cabbagesouppirate · 02/08/2015 17:33

So, your ndners want;

  1. To not be bothered by the noise or nuisance of their workmen, so they are buggering off for 2 days.

  2. To not have to pay for any electricity, water, toilet paper, tea bags etc that their workmen use.

  3. For you to stay in so that you can let your ndners workmen help themselves to your electricity/water/teabags/toilet paper and traipse all over your house for the benefit of your neighbours whilst you are inconvenienced with your time and you have to put up with their noise and dirt.

How could you possibly have said no Grin? In fact, perhaps you should have offered to pay the workmen for their work?

cabbagesouppirate · 02/08/2015 17:35

Also guessing that by page 3 you will have some loon who genuinely thinks yabu.

TheCatsMother99 · 02/08/2015 17:38

YADefinitelyNBU

BabyGanoush · 02/08/2015 17:41

Well done for saying no

I am the sort of mug who'd say yes, then regret it later

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