Neighbour keeps taking fence panels off

[mommydragonn]

Fence belongs to him and it is the kind with concrete posts and wooden panels that slot down in between the posts. We don't talk to each other. But every few months, without warning he takes the panels off completely exposing what we do in our garden like having the washing out or kids playing etc. We feel like we have no privacy or respect from him. We would like to somehow ensure he can't take panels off but don't want to damage his fence and don't want to do anything that is not legal. Are there non intrusive ways to keep the panels in place?

Surely the first thing to do is find out why he's doing it.

Why is he doing that? Is he just doing it for no reason?

If I were you, I would simply put up some of that bamboo screening on my side...its not expensive and when he next removes the panels, he won't be able to see through.

Just don't fasten the panels to the fence...

Get your own fence put up next to his.

I assume you don’t talk to each other because he’s difficult? So you don’t know why he’s doing it - painting them etc?

Also, if they're his panels you can't really ensure he doesn't remove them without damaging them in some way. People get weird about their fences...I've heard of people insisting the neighbours don't paint their side as they don't own them!

I am afraid you will just have to lose a few inches from your garden and build a fence within his fence.

@SeasonFinale

I am afraid you will just have to lose a few inches from your garden and build a fence within his fence.

Unless it's a rental in which case, the bamboo screening is a temporary and inexpensive solution.

Why is he doing that

You need a back to back fence.

Bamboo or potted cedars should do the trick

There is nothing you can do about his fence. Unless you have rules about fences in your deeds, there is no requirement to have a fence at all. He could remove them all, paint them rainbow colours, and put them back.
The only thing you can do, is as others have said, put something up on your side.

The cheapest thing would be to put in some stakes and chicken wire along your side, leave a couple of inches gap, then plant climbers like clematis and honeysuckle. Bamboo in tubs is great, but dont plant it directly in your border as it will take over.

Put your own fence up right next to it, he sounds like a pervert.

@Shehasadiamondinthesky

Put your own fence up right next to it, he sounds like a pervert.

Or maybe he's doing some work to his garden which requires the fence panels to be up for a short period of time.

Why’s he doing it? And no you cannot interfere with his fence, there is no legal requirement for a fence. If you wish privacy put your own up.

Be careful with bamboo, it’s pretty invasive and can cause a lot of damage.

If you must plant bamboo, plant it in pots so the roots/runners are contained.

@Shehasadiamondinthesky

Put your own fence up right next to it, he sounds like a pervert.

Crikey, that's a bit of a leap!

@Perfectlycontent

Be careful with bamboo, it’s pretty invasive and can cause a lot of damage.

If you must plant bamboo, plant it in pots so the roots/runners are contained.

No I meant the screens....they're like a roll out screening. They're not plants.

We've recently pit some of the cheap bamboo screen up for a temporary solution. Very easy, about £24 for 4 metres long and 2 metres high. You could just do the 1 m high stuff if that would be better. Agree that it's annoying, especially if you have pets / children. Luckily our neighbors are lovely and last time they needed to do this they even offered to paint the side of the shed we can't usually get to!

They are his panels, he can do what he wants with them really, there is no law that requires neighbours to have fencing. Maybe he is planting something, digging up shrubs, repainting the panels. You can put up your own fence or screening your side but you cannot attach them to his posts without his permission.

@mommydragonn

Fence belongs to him and it is the kind with concrete posts and wooden panels that slot down in between the posts. We don't talk to each other. But every few months, without warning he takes the panels off completely exposing what we do in our garden like having the washing out or kids playing etc. We feel like we have no privacy or respect from him. We would like to somehow ensure he can't take panels off but don't want to damage his fence and don't want to do anything that is not legal. Are there non intrusive ways to keep the panels in place?

Build your own fence will solve the problem 100%. Then he can remove his panels till the cows come home and not impact your privacy at all. Hope you can get a fence erected asap.

What did he give the reason as when you asked him? Or if you haven't asked him why he is doing it, even if you don't talk to him, go round and knock on his door or ask him when you see him in the garden. There may be an innocent explanation and he might not realise it bothered you.

My opposite neighbour takes his fence panels down and does a bit of maintenance on them once a week. It's a part of his routine. He trims his hedge every day. He also drives his car round the block every day.

If it does worry you can you just speak to him or drop a note in asking him to let your know when he plans to take the panels down. You cannot ensure he doesnt take them off.

Yep, what PPs have said. He can do what he likes with his fence assuming their are no covenants or whatever (unlikely)
So you can lump it 😅 or put up your own fence or screening.

I like the wires and climbing plants plan, but it would be tempting to put your own fence up with surprise messages on the facing-out panels so he gets a cheery “HIYA!” or “Why do you fiddle with your fence so much?” greeting every time he lifts his panels out.