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New neighbours asked if they could take my fence down

467 replies

ellogov · 20/02/2026 18:22

Around two years ago, I put up a fence to divide my driveway from my neighbours. I made sure it was entirely on my side, not intruding on their area at all. The reason behind this was that they kept using my side to move their cars around, and they, along with their guests, would walk up and down my side to get around their vehicles all the time. They weren’t thrilled about it, but I was already doing some renovations, so I used that as my excuse. I never actually told them the real reason, though I have a feeling they figured it out. The driveways are pretty narrow, but that’s just how they were constructed. I had mine widened last year, so it’s much better now.

They moved out in September. New neighbours moved in just before Christmas, and they seem nice. I’ve chatted with them a few times, asking how they’re settling in. This morning, they asked how I’d feel about taking the fence down. They mentioned it’s because they don’t have much space and offered to pay for its removal. I’m a bit torn on what to do. While they seem friendly, I’m concerned they might end up being like the previous neighbours. If they’re really in need of more space, they could always pay to widen their side, and even though they’ve offered to cover the removal costs, it doesn’t compensate for the money I spent putting it up last year, and I’d have to pay again to put up another one if they start taking advantage of the situation.

What do you think? Should I say no sorry and keep them separate?

OP posts:
walkingmycatnameddog · 22/02/2026 19:38

It’s your fence paid for by you on your property and put up for a very good reason. That reason has not changed so it’s a no from you. For sure

Sennelier1 · 22/02/2026 19:53

I think you should tell the new neighbours exactly why you put up that fence. Tell them you don't like neighbours and their guests using your half of the driveway. You will see soon enough if that was their plan from the start - walking on your driveway to facilitate getting into their cars, turning around their car onnyour half. If they say that absolutely not, they will stay on their half, then yes, have the fence taken down. But I think their request is based on the hope that then they may use your driveway for easy movement.

whereisitnow · 22/02/2026 22:16

Be careful not to explain yourself to an extent where they try to knock down your reasons, one by one.

Aiming4Optimistic · 23/02/2026 06:37

There is no valid reason for wanting the fence down - it doesn't affect them at all if they intend to never use the OPs drive.
Besides, who moves into a new house and starts asking the neighbours to remove things from their own land? Cheeky fuckers, that's who!

Mummamap · 23/02/2026 06:41

Just say no. You know the driveways are narrow which is why you extended yours on the far said and they should do the same.

Htcunya · 23/02/2026 09:39

While they seem friendly, I’m concerned they might end up being like the previous neighbours.

One thing I've learned from reading MN is that pleasant neighbours can turn unpleasant when thwarted.
They have only one reason for wanting to get rid of the fence and that's to use your drive to get in and out of their car, or more, just like the previous neighbours.
They maybe didn't realise when they bought next door that the drive was too narrow. It's for them to now fix that, just as you did, by widening it.
Do not under any circumstances agree to the removal of the fence as you'll be immediately back to square one.

Anonanonay · 23/02/2026 11:13

Sennelier1 · 22/02/2026 19:53

I think you should tell the new neighbours exactly why you put up that fence. Tell them you don't like neighbours and their guests using your half of the driveway. You will see soon enough if that was their plan from the start - walking on your driveway to facilitate getting into their cars, turning around their car onnyour half. If they say that absolutely not, they will stay on their half, then yes, have the fence taken down. But I think their request is based on the hope that then they may use your driveway for easy movement.

Obviously it was their plan from the start. There's no other possible reason for the request.

Poorandbrilliant · 23/02/2026 12:44

Sold as seen. For a reason

Poorandbrilliant · 23/02/2026 12:45

Ask them if you look daft

Goonyoucanaskme · 23/02/2026 13:06

You've thought it over and it's time to say No, I put the fence up last year and I like the way it makes a boundary between the houses. I also widened my drive and you might want to consider doing the same. Parking is much easier with a wider drive.

Htcunya · 23/02/2026 13:38

I wish OP would come back and tell us if she's dealt with the matter.

EagerLemur · 24/02/2026 00:25

just on the note of this, i really wonder if the previous home owner said something like, oh i'm going to ask the neighbour or i think the neighbour said she was taking the fence down anyway, and when they were buying asked if shed asked etc oh i havn't seen them i'm sure it wont be a problem, blah blah, it just seems really weird that out of the blue new neighbours would just come over and ask such a thing

Passingthrough123 · 24/02/2026 12:28

Did you speak to them @ellogov?

Justsean · 26/02/2026 19:04

Say no!

Gossipisgood · 10/03/2026 14:55

They want to remove it so they can use your space which is why you put the fence up in the first place so the old neighbours couldn't use your drive. I'd be saying No sorry the fence stays.

dentalflosser · 13/04/2026 20:53

How did it go OP?

Jellybean23 · 17/04/2026 05:03

Obviously they want to use your space - the very reason you erected the fence in the first place. Say no.

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