Neighbors leaving old fencing on our property

[InBetweenDays]

We have an alley that runs behind our house. We also have somewhat new neighbors that are kiddie corner behind us (across the alley). They have owned the property for awhile, but tore the place down and rebuilt so they've only been living there for 8 months or so. We've met them and talked to them on occasion but don't really know them (as a side note their dogs are annoying and are allowed to run loose sometimes, and their daughter walks their dogs and doesn't pick up after them - so we're already a little annoyed).

Anyway, yesterday the kids and I were walking down the alley and I notice some old pieces of wooden fencing leaning up against our fence and garage. These neighbors are having yard work done, and have some construction tape up around an area where I'm pretty sure they removed an old fence and are dealing with a slope issue. I don't know for certain that the fence on our property is theirs, but it is awfully suspicious.

Now I'm hoping they just left it there temporarily, and maybe forgot about it? (Even though I don't know why they couldn't have just kept it on their property) And I don't want to accuse them of it if it isn't theirs. But I also don't want it leaning there and possibly damaging our garage and fence (both of which have been newly painted in the past 2 months). Nor do I want to have to deal with disposing of it.

So how long would you wait before approaching them?

[dana86]

Is there a place where you can move them and pile them back up near their little construction site/work in process? I
m someone where I dont know that I would approach them I would just move the wood back by their lot and be done with it, unless it did do damage or create other issues.

[Deleted]

Yeah, I'd probably do what Dana suggested.

[InBetweenDays]

I was thinking about that, but I'm not absolutely certain it is theirs. I'd say I'm 95% certain but I feel bad putting it on their property if it isn't theirs.

Plus if they did do it I kind of want them to have to admit it since it is such a lame thing to do. I of course wouldn't be mean about it, but just ask if it was theirs and if so ask if they can move it so it doesn't damage our fence or garage.

[dana86]

Well if you want a verbal acknowledgment then granted you can see when they are out there. I'd conveniently go out at the same time and bring it up or casually ask if it's theirs since you noticed they were doing some work and if so ask them to move it.

[Deleted]

Aug 23, 2012 15:45:21 GMT -5 dana86 said:

Well if you want a verbal acknowledgment then granted you can see when they are out there. I'd conveniently go out at the same time and bring it up or casually ask if it's theirs since you noticed they were doing some work and if so ask them to move it.

yep

[amandasw]

Aug 23, 2012 15:48:36 GMT -5 @uwhuskygirl said:

Aug 23, 2012 15:45:21 GMT -5 dana86 said:

Well if you want a verbal acknowledgment then granted you can see when they are out there. I'd conveniently go out at the same time and bring it up or casually ask if it's theirs since you noticed they were doing some work and if so ask them to move it.

yep

yeah. I think as long as you go in calmly (not acting all ticked off) then it's not a big deal to ask. If you approach the subject like you're blaming them then it might not go so well.

[InBetweenDays]

No, I definitely wouldn't act ticked off. I'm not sure it was them and don't want a bad relationship. But if it is theirs I'd prefer they move it to their property

[amandasw]

Aug 23, 2012 17:40:23 GMT -5 InBetweenDays said:

No, I definitely wouldn't act ticked off. I'm not sure it was them and don't want a bad relationship. But if it is theirs I'd prefer they move it to their property

totally - hopefully someone just forgot about it!