Neighbors who don't care about their property

[dawn1620]

Our next door neighbor's house is a complete wreck - the wood is rotting away on the eaves and they have a deck that looks like it would fall in if you blew on it. Their back yard looks like a rain forest -seriously you could not walk through it without a machete, the weeds are at least waist high. The front you can barely see because of the trees in front of it but I'm tired of looking at the side of it everytime we go into our back yard. And I'm also scared about snakes because the only thing that separates it from our back yard is a chain link fence. Everyone in our neighborhood takes pride in their yards except these people. They have teenage kids and there are at least three nice cars in the drive so I know they can keep up the property if they tried.

Also they have two cats that are obviously theirs but they have no tags or anything. And their dog finally quit coming into our yard when I threatened to have the city pick it up.

The only good thing is you never see or hear from them - the only odd occasion was when the mom was outside cursing up a storm but as soon as she heard us outside she went back in.

I can only imagine what the inside of the house is like.

 

[Darcy03231]

Our next door neighbor's house is a complete wreck - the wood is rotting away on the eaves and they have a deck that looks like it would fall in if you blew on it. Their back yard looks like a rain forest -seriously you could not walk through it without a machete, the weeds are at least waist high. The front you can barely see because of the trees in front of it but I'm tired of looking at the side of it everytime we go into our back yard. And I'm also scared about snakes because the only thing that separates it from our back yard is a chain link fence. Everyone in our neighborhood takes pride in their yards except these people. They have teenage kids and there are at least three nice cars in the drive so I know they can keep up the property if they tried.

Also they have two cats that are obviously theirs but they have no tags or anything. And their dog finally quit coming into our yard when I threatened to have the city pick it up.

The only good thing is you never see or hear from them - the only odd occasion was when the mom was outside cursing up a storm but as soon as she heard us outside she went back in.

I can only imagine what the inside of the house is like.

From your post it sounds like you don't know them well. Maybe there are financial and/or health issues that are preventing them from doing yard work or repairs. Since it bothers you so much have you thought of offering to help out?

While we keep our yard up, there are definitely outside maintenance things that we need to do to our house. Since we are pay cash type people its taken us a number of years to save up for what we're doing. I'm happy to say that in 3 weeks we're doing a new roof, siding, windows and deck. I'm sure all my neighbors will be happy to see it done -- as much as I will.

 

[dawn1620]

From your post it sounds like you don't know them well. Maybe there are financial and/or health issues that are preventing them from doing yard work or repairs. Since it bothers you so much have you thought of offering to help out?

While we keep our yard up, there are definitely outside maintenance things that we need to do to our house. Since we are pay cash type people its taken us a number of years to save up for what we're doing. I'm happy to say that in 3 weeks we're doing a new roof, siding, windows and deck. I'm sure all my neighbors will be happy to see it done -- as much as I will.

It's not that, I've seen the parents and they are physically fine. And from the vehicles in their drive money is obviously not an issue. We're not talking about a lawn that has not been mowed for a week, more like years from the looks of it. And the house has been very neglected..I"m talking rotting wood, ect. They have teenagers that could do the work but they don't seem to care either. We've made inquiries from our neighbors we know and they have always been that way, just don't care to do the work. They just keep to themselves and let the property just go.

 

[disney1990]

Our next door neighbor's house is a complete wreck - the wood is rotting away on the eaves and they have a deck that looks like it would fall in if you blew on it. Their back yard looks like a rain forest -seriously you could not walk through it without a machete, the weeds are at least waist high. The front you can barely see because of the trees in front of it but I'm tired of looking at the side of it everytime we go into our back yard. And I'm also scared about snakes because the only thing that separates it from our back yard is a chain link fence. Everyone in our neighborhood takes pride in their yards except these people. They have teenage kids and there are at least three nice cars in the drive so I know they can keep up the property if they tried.

Also they have two cats that are obviously theirs but they have no tags or anything. And their dog finally quit coming into our yard when I threatened to have the city pick it up.

The only good thing is you never see or hear from them - the only odd occasion was when the mom was outside cursing up a storm but as soon as she heard us outside she went back in.

I can only imagine what the inside of the house is like.

I obviously don't know why your neighbors haven't taken care of their house and yard. We too have neighbors that have a house that is need of some TLC. But he is a plumber and work has been slow. She hasn't been able to find a job. The work isn't done simply because they don't have the money.

In addition, the house next door to ours has been empty for over 2 years now. They have been trying to sell it and haven't so far. Every time my DH mows our grass, he mows the grass next door, even though he gets no compensation for it and uses his own money to buy the gas. Not mowing the grass would only make our house look bad.

I agree that you might reach out to your neighbors and see if maybe you can offer some assistance.

 

[Mickey's Minion]

Our next door neighbor's house is a complete wreck - the wood is rotting away on the eaves and they have a deck that looks like it would fall in if you blew on it. Their back yard looks like a rain forest -seriously you could not walk through it without a machete, the weeds are at least waist high. The front you can barely see because of the trees in front of it but I'm tired of looking at the side of it everytime we go into our back yard. And I'm also scared about snakes because the only thing that separates it from our back yard is a chain link fence. Everyone in our neighborhood takes pride in their yards except these people. They have teenage kids and there are at least three nice cars in the drive so I know they can keep up the property if they tried.

Also they have two cats that are obviously theirs but they have no tags or anything. And their dog finally quit coming into our yard when I threatened to have the city pick it up.

The only good thing is you never see or hear from them - the only odd occasion was when the mom was outside cursing up a storm but as soon as she heard us outside she went back in.

I can only imagine what the inside of the house is like.

I agree with the above poster. Get to know them and learn the reason why the maintenance is such an issue. Perhaps there is something you and the neighborhood can do to help.

Otherwise, sounds like it is time for a large wooden fence to block the view.

 

[Tina]

I can't think of any financial issue that could stop a family from keeping a clean, mowed yard. If they can gas up 3 nice cars, they can gas up a mower at least once a month.

I live next to slobs, too. Unfortunately, I'm in a townhouse, so we live very close to each other. I take pride in how my home looks. I plant flowers, mulch, mow, water and seed the lawn, etc. The new family of renters that moved in next door tear up the grass between our driveway with their cars when pulling in and out of their driveway (is that hard to steer straight?). They let their little dog run loose all the time. Yes, he's a very cute little chihuahua, but that doesn't mean I want to clean up his cute little poops! About two weeks ago, after the trash trucks had come by, they pulled their trash can from the curb, but then left it in the middle of their front lawn. And its still there! The husband is a plumber and I'm constantly finding crap on my lawn from his truck (broken pieces of plastic, pipe, and papers). I won't even go into how much crap is laying their front lawn and walkway that no one bothers to pick up. They've only been there a month and I'm already counting down the days until their lease is up. I really really hope they don't renew.

 

[mjkacmom]

I live in a nice neighborhood, average home valued at about $500,000, large front porches, original wood shingles, manicured lawns - all but my next door neighbor. 1970's siding in need of powerwashing/painting. However, she's really nice and quiet. She's been doing a lot of work (some landscaping, painting of the garage), but I think she's putting it up for sale.

She did let her lawn grow over, but eventually put up a sign, stating the landscapers were coming in a week (you get fined here if your grass is too long, thank goodness). But her house really does stand out (and not in a good way) on the street.

 

[disykat]

We lived next to someone like that for years. Thankfully, someone new has purchased the house and they are going to keep it up! I've even seen their teens out working .

One thing it did was taught MY kids a great work ethic. They never understood why, when they've been doing all the mowing etc. since the age of twelve, those other neighbor teens did nothing about their yard. Rather than resenting work they had to do, it clearly showed them the reason for it -they saw the alternative daily!

It cracked me up though, now that the neighbors are mowing, my kids want to mow MORE. They're so used to our yard looking better than the neighbors that they are getting quite competitive.

 

[Feralpeg]

In most cities, there are ordinances that require people to keep their yards mowed to a certain level. Give your city government a call. They will fine your neighbors for not mowing. Maybe then, they will keep it mowed. You don't have to tell the city your name. Just make a complaint.

 

[LisaInNc]

This could be my next door neighbor. Problem is I know them well and they just don't really care. Nothing can really be done.

I have one neighbor that calls code enforcement on them constantly, it takes code enforcement a while to do anything, then my neighbors take care of it....until the next time.

Their dogs roam free, the dog officer has been out so many times that she threatened to take the dogs the next time she is called. Doesn't matter, one still uses my lawn regularly.

I had to just accept that it's not going to change and look the other way.

Lisa

 

[Planogirl]

There's no excuse for not mowing but the rest could be due to financial issues at least somewhat. We had to put a few things off in the past but nothing as bad as what you describe at least. We always did keep the grass mowed though.

 

[minkydog]

In most cities, there are ordinances that require people to keep their yards mowed to a certain level. Give your city government a call. They will fine your neighbors for not mowing. Maybe then, they will keep it mowed. You don't have to tell the city your name. Just make a complaint.

I think I'd also have to call the city. There is no good reason for anyone to let their place get that bad. We had neighbors in the 'hood who lived the way you described, complete with car up on blocks, broken windows, and multiple trucks parked all over the yard. Turns out they were renters. Between the landlord(who was about to be fined) and the city, those people had enough incentive to clean things up. And really, what it mostly took was just getting out there and cutting the grass, moving the cars, hauling off the junk. The yard will never win Most Beautiful Yard, but at least it's not bringing our property values down.

You can talk to them if you want, but until they feel sufficiently threatened nothing is going to change.

 

[bicker]

Our next door neighbor's house is a complete wreck

I love living in a condo!

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

I don't mow my lawn because I refuse to do it. There are a lot of crazy things I would do before I ever did yard work, that is how much I hate it! I never go out there and I will never mow my lawn... well, maybe if someone bought me a riding lawn mower.

I pay someone to mow it. But, if I didn't have the funds to do so, I still wouldn't do it myself.

People genuinely hate different things, for different reasons, to different degrees... yard stuff is something I LOATHE!

Just putting a different perspective on it...

ETA: My house is probably one of the cleanest you'll ever see on the inside.

 

[LindaG4458]

We live in a duplex townhouse in what is called a PUD (planned unit development). We own to the middle of the common wall and about two feet beyond our outer walls. We haved owned it for almost 21 years and our adjoining neighbors have owned for 20. They used to come up a few times in the summer and did vacation rentals when they were not in residence (that's another discussion.....). We have not seen the neighbors in at least 7 years.

Each owner is responsible for painting the outside of the unit. Seven years ago we painted our side and our neighbor never completed his side. We have painted another time since and will paint again next year. Other neighbors gave us grief because we drew a line down the middle of the front of the building and only painted our half of the front. Would they rather we not paint at all and let the entire building fall in from neglect?

Right now the siding in the back of their unit has started to fall off, one of the windows is partially open (has been for about a year - we legally cannot enter) and has been taped on the outside to try to keep it closed. The tape is falling off. We are worried about squirrels, birds, mice, and such getting into their attic and into our side when we are in FL in the winter.

The association is finally taking legal steps to enforce the covenants and get the unit repaired.

 

[Lauralee]

Check with your county to see if they have a Weed Commission. In our county, you can report the grass/weed problem to the commission. When the vegetation height reaches 12 inches, the commission will mail the homeowner a notice telling them they have five days to mow or the county will come and do it for them.

Cost for the county to tractor mow is $107.50 an hour (with a half-hour minimum charge), and the cost for the weed trimming is $120 an hour. The fee is tacked onto their property taxes.

From your description of their yard, I'd not hesitate to call. The tall grass and weeds attract vermin and snakes. Some friends of ours had a neighbor like yours. They called the county when they found a huge nest (giant tangle) of garter snakes in their backyard!

 

[wdwfan16]

It's not that, I've seen the parents and they are physically fine. And from the vehicles in their drive money is obviously not an issue. We're not talking about a lawn that has not been mowed for a week, more like years from the looks of it. And the house has been very neglected..I"m talking rotting wood, ect. They have teenagers that could do the work but they don't seem to care either. We've made inquiries from our neighbors we know and they have always been that way, just don't care to do the work. They just keep to themselves and let the property just go.

So you are upset by a neighbor who does not take care of their home yet you bought a home next to them.

 

[powellrj]

It's not that, I've seen the parents and they are physically fine. And from the vehicles in their drive money is obviously not an issue. We're not talking about a lawn that has not been mowed for a week, more like years from the looks of it. And the house has been very neglected..I"m talking rotting wood, ect. They have teenagers that could do the work but they don't seem to care either. We've made inquiries from our neighbors we know and they have always been that way, just don't care to do the work. They just keep to themselves and let the property just go.

In have to start by saying threads like this really make my blood boil. How in the world do you know they are physically fine and they can afford the upkeep because they have nice cars and the teenagers could do the work?????? Do you live with them? Are you their accountant, Doctor, mother, minister????????

We drive nice vehicles because OUR JOBS MAKE US AND PAY US CAR ALLOWANCE!!!!!! IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH WEATHER OR NOT WE CAN PAY FOR HOUSE UPKEEP. I have arthritis and have had 2 total knee replacements before I was 50 and will soon have a shoulder and hip replaced. I look fine, but I guess if I were your neighbor and didn't keep my yard up that is no excuse because I LOOK HEALTHY.

Sure they have teens that should be caring for the yard because they have nothing else to do. They aren't working 2 or 3 jobs over the summer to pay for school or they aren't spending their days caring for aging grandparents.

I hate when people who have no idea what others lives are like make judgement calls. Who in the world gave you the right to judge other people???? If it bothers you so much, why not be a good neighbor and offer to help out?

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

In have to start by saying threads like this really make my blood boil. How in the world do you know they are physically fine and they can afford the upkeep because they have nice cars and the teenagers could do the work?????? Do you live with them? Are you their accountant, Doctor, mother, minister????????

We drive nice vehicles because OUR JOBS MAKE US AND PAY US CAR ALLOWANCE!!!!!! IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH WEATHER OR NOT WE CAN PAY FOR HOUSE UPKEEP. I have arthritis and have had 2 total knee replacements before I was 50 and will soon have a shoulder and hip replaced. I look fine, but I guess if I were your neighbor and didn't keep my yard up that is no excuse because I LOOK HEALTHY.

Sure they have teens that should be caring for the yard because they have nothing else to do. They aren't working 2 or 3 jobs over the summer to pay for school or they aren't spending their days caring for aging grandparents.

I hate when people who have no idea what others lives are like make judgement calls. Who in the world gave you the right to judge other people???? If it bothers you so much, why not be a good neighbor and offer to help out?

Good point.

I just thought I'd add that some kids, like myself in high school, were taking full diploma IB classes and were 3-sport athletes (or any other activity), in my case 4-sport, and simply did NOT have any time to be doing those things. And summers were spent at the dad's and/or at lacrosse, softball or cross country camps. Not to mention any of the summer homework that was assigned.

 

[Feralpeg]

I don't mow my lawn because I refuse to do it. There are a lot of crazy things I would do before I ever did yard work, that is how much I hate it! I never go out there and I will never mow my lawn... well, maybe if someone bought me a riding lawn mower.

I pay someone to mow it. But, if I didn't have the funds to do so, I still wouldn't do it myself.

People genuinely hate different things, for different reasons, to different degrees... yard stuff is something I LOATHE!

Just putting a different perspective on it...

ETA: My house is probably one of the cleanest you'll ever see on the inside.

While there are plenty of things around my house that I hate to do, I do them because they are necessary. It's great that you can hire someone to do your yard since you dislike lawn work so much, but to say that you wouldn't do it if you didn't have the funds seems pretty selfish. Not taking care of a yard affects everyone who lives near you.

The house on the corner next to me is empty. The owners moved out and went to another state. They intend to rent it at some point. Since they are not currently living in this area, nothing is being done to the yard. It is a mess. Their yard is full of weeds which are spreading into my yard. I pay to have my yard treated, but even so, it is a problem since the neighbor's yard is such a mess. I hate the fact that someone who doesn't care about their home is having an affect on mine.

Taking care of the exterior is part of being a responsible home owner.