‘Our neighbour is still angry at something we did two years ago’

A man admitted that his neighbour was mad at him over something that he’d done years ago, wondering why he couldn’t let it go.

He explained that he’d lived at the property for “almost two years,” and when they moved in, they decided to install a fence “within the first week or two of owning the house.”

He explained: “The other day our neighbour talked to us outside and said how he was going to trim the trees that have branches that hang over our yard, but then we put the fence up. 

“These trees have been an issue like this for years and years, based on Google images,” which he’d taken a look at to get a lay of the land.

But then the Redditor threw a spanner into the works, sharing: “He’s also lived in the house for at least 50 years and seemed annoyed that we put the fence up”.

The man was a little bit confused as to why the guy next door would be “annoyed” about the fence, given that he seemed to have his own issues to focus on.

He explained that his neighbour’s house was “falling apart,” describing him as a “hoarder” of possessions, saying that there was “trash everywhere”.

He also said that “he does pretty much no maintenance for their property,” and that there’s a “three foot high bush” that he’s allowed to grow out of control. 

So he was baffled why the man would be annoyed about the fence, rather than focusing on his own property.

“I can’t get over the fact that he was mad at us for something we did almost two years ago,” he penned, highlighting how bizarre it was that he wouldn’t have mentioned something at the time, but would hold it over them since.

What are the rules around property fences?

The ability to put up a fence without consulting your neighbour depends on local laws, property boundaries, and any agreements or restrictions in place. 

In many areas, if the fence is constructed entirely within your property boundaries, you may not need to consult your neighbour legally. However, it’s often considered courteous to inform or consult your neighbour, especially if it could affect them. This would avoid potential disputes or misunderstandings. 

Additionally, some areas have regulations regarding the height, materials, and positioning of fences that must be followed regardless of neighbour consent. 

If the fence is to be placed on a shared or boundary line, you will typically need your neighbour’s agreement before proceeding. It’s always best to check local planning laws or homeowner association rules to ensure compliance.