Help with a neighbor issue please.

[darnheather]

Since this question went over like a lead balloon on Reddit I thought I'd ask here.

Virginia now allows for maryjane to be grown at home. However, the statute says it must not be visible from the street and must be behind a fence so that children can't access it.

My neighbors now have a few plants. Whatever, their business. My husband and I cannot partake because of our jobs. Their plants are in pots in their yard next to ours. No fence and totally visible from the street. They can't move them to the backyard because it isn't sunny enough.

Now why does this bother me? I'd actually like to sell or rent out this house in the next year or two and I just don't think families with young children would move in. Therefore, this is a threat to my property value.

How do I approach the neighbor about putting up a fence? I hate confrontation. Also, do I have to disclose that the neighbors are growers to the next family?

 

[dizneegirl]

Personally, I'd either put the house up for sale or rent. If it doesn't move, then I'd ask about the fence.

I don't think it's your "problem" to disclose to the next family. The plants are legal, they're in their yard... nothing to do with you.

 

[mjkacmom]

It might not be that noticeable, my son had pot plants in our yard, I had no idea until he put them on our wrap around porch when it got colder at night. He’s only living here temporarily and will bring them inside when he moves out next month. Weha r a bunch of potted plants in our yard (herbs, vegetables), so they just blended.

 

[Marrila]

Clean, paint and declutter. Ignore the legal gardening habits of your neighbors.

 

[Imzadi]

Now why does this bother me? I'd actually like to sell or rent out this house in the next year or two and I just don't think families with young children would move in. Therefore, this is a threat to my property value.

You're worried about something that won't happen for a year or two.

In that time, the neighbors may put up a fence.

Or you neighbors may find they don't like growing plants.

People without kids may want to move in, so there is no threat to your property value.

People who want to grow their own plants may want to move in and could use some tips from their neighbors on how to do it. Again, no threat to your property value.

 

[Kennywood]

"Hello, neighbor. We noticed your recreational plants and wanted to let you know that you might have a problem. Why? Well, the state says that these type of plants 'must not be visible from the street and must be behind a fence so that children can't access it.' We wouldn't want you to get hassled by someone. We just thought we'd bring it to your attention. Enjoy!"

 

[nw6675]

While no, you don't have to disclose, it would get on my nerves, too. But I doubt potential buyers would notice and renters will prob be happy to find a place to rent in this market.

- Fellow Virginian

 

[PrincessShmoo]

"Hello, neighbor. We noticed your recreational plants and wanted to let you know that you might have a problem. Why? Well, the state says that these type of plants 'must not be visible from the street and must be behind a fence so that children can't access it.' We wouldn't want you to get hassled by someone. We just thought we'd bring it to your attention. Enjoy!"

Good approach.

 

[AgentMama]

I probably wouldn't even notice or realize what they were growing. I think many people would be the same.

But if it really bothers you, I think the previous poster's suggestion of directly addressing it is probably best. Just be prepared for awkward after.

 

[slo]

I think if it were me, I’d just put blinders on and let it go.

I’d much rather have a decent relationship with my neighbors while looking at the plants, than a tense one so I don’t have to look at the plants.

Worry about today and today you’re not selling or renting, so let it go.

 

[soccerdad72]

I probably wouldn't even notice or realize what they were growing. I think many people would be the same.

But if it really bothers you, I think the previous poster's suggestion of directly addressing it is probably best. Just be prepared for awkward after.

I was thinking the same thing. I don't know if I would bother to notice what was growing next door to a house I was looking at.

 

[Christine]

About the most you can do is contact the county. They enforce these types of ordinances. Personally I wouldn't care at all about it, but the law is specfic that the plants must not be accessible to anyone under the age of 21. They are accessible. In the county that I'm in (Virginia) there is a number you can call to "report" all these types of violations be it abandoned cars, dangerous trees, etc. Anything non-emergency that is in violation. When your county gets around to it, they will physically go out and check this and write a citation to your neighbors to comply with the law. If they don't, I think it increases to a fine and what not.

 

[Lord Manhammer]

Jeez, just let it go. They're not harming you. Let them get high when they want.

 

[LuvOrlando]

I would say absolutely nothing unless it actually came to pass that a potential renter told me they are not interested because of the plants next door. For all you know your next renter will love it and join them. Maybe they move by then, maybe you move by then, maybe they stop growing by then? Do you really want to risk creating a neighbor sitting there with a note pad keeping track of your every wrong step and bad move, maybe even reporting you because of resentment? I would not invite such a thing in advance of a thing that may or may not happen.

The whole don't "go" where you eat applies here.

 

[Living42Day]

Ugh, that would bother me too because of the smell. Also can't partake because of our careers, not that we would want to anyway. I have neighbors that are unemployed and choose to get high often, so the smell drifts over to our property pretty frequently. We have to keep our windows closed unless we want our belongings to stink . If your neighbors are close enough that the skunk smell will come onto your property, I would consider that an issue and may politely bring it up with them.

I, personally, would not purchase a home where this is an issue because it is not only unsightly but that smell is super bothersome for us. I would think your property value would be at risk because of this.

 

[shh]

I was thinking the same thing. I don't know if I would bother to notice what was growing next door to a house I was looking at.

Lots of common sense replies, but I agree with previous poster. I'd also notice as a buyer - but only because of prior context. One of my family members lives next door to neighbors who smoke every night with their windows open - you could smell it outside and it even permeated inside my family member's home. It was really starting to bother her as she doesn't smoke and the constant smell made her sick. So - something I'd probably look for, in hopes of avoiding, now that it's being legalized more and more.

 

[shh]

Jeez, just let it go. They're not harming you. Let them get high when they want.

I genuinely have no issue or judgement re: what others smoke, drink, etc. To each their own. But if I sit in my home with a glass of wine or a beer, it doesn't affect anyone else. But the scent of pot DOES affect neighbors if the person smokes next to their open window every night and they live close to others, as in an apartment or zero lot line suburban community.

 

[gottalovepluto]

If it's against a statute report them to whoever is supposed to enforce the statute. This may take some digging to find out and time to process. Could solve your issue there. They can get lights for growing it in the back or move to a place with better sun, their hands aren't tied.

Doubt it would dissuad renters or buyers. Have you seen the housing market? Beggars can't be choosers pretty much these days.

And no, don't tell a potential buyer or renter. You aren't a botanist, as far as you actually know the neighbor has some plants in pots in their front yard. Big whoop.

 

[mjkacmom]

Ugh, that would bother me too because of the smell. Also can't partake because of our careers, not that we would want to anyway. I have neighbors that are unemployed and choose to get high often, so the smell drifts over to our property pretty frequently. We have to keep our windows closed unless we want our belongings to stink . If your neighbors are close enough that the skunk smell will come onto your property, I would consider that an issue and may politely bring it up with them.

I, personally, would not purchase a home where this is an issue because it is not only unsightly but that smell is super bothersome for us. I would think your property value would be at risk because of this.

So you think that if they‘re not growing it they’re not smoking it? They can just go and buy it, so much easier.

 

[mjkacmom]

Ugh, that would bother me too because of the smell. Also can't partake because of our careers, not that we would want to anyway. I have neighbors that are unemployed and choose to get high often, so the smell drifts over to our property pretty frequently. We have to keep our windows closed unless we want our belongings to stink . If your neighbors are close enough that the skunk smell will come onto your property, I would consider that an issue and may politely bring it up with them.

I, personally, would not purchase a home where this is an issue because it is not only unsightly but that smell is super bothersome for us. I would think your property value would be at risk because of this.

Unsightly? They’re plants. My neighbors smoke cigarettes outside, not a fan of the smell but not a big deal.