'I wrote a letter to my neighbour warning about new fence - some say it's rude'

21 April 2023 , 10:31

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The letter has caused quite the stir (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

We are all familiar with neighbourly rows - whether it is over a parking spot or loud noise, it can be pretty uncomfortable when confrontation does arise.

But one person is hoping to avoid any confrontation by writing a letter to their neighbours to explain they are having a new fence constructed in their backyard - but some say it could just antagonise the people next door instead.

The resident is getting a new fence and wrote a letter saying his neighbours would not be able to attach anything to his fence if they decided to build one themselves in the future.

Many said the letter was in the wrong tone (stock photo) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

After posting about this on Reddit, the homeowner was met with some backlash as many felt the letter was in the wrong tone and could just anger neighbours he barely even knows.

In the post, the person, who remained anonymous, wrote: "I am putting a fence on my side of the property and just want to inform my neighbours. They chose not to share the fence so it’s all on my property. One neighbour is brand new and hasn’t moved in yet so this will be my first contact with them.

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"I want them to know I'm installing a fence if they wonder what people are doing in our backyard. I also want them to know they cannot install a fence and attach it to my post (that would be encroaching on my property then)."

But the letter they planned to write was met with some heavy backlash.

They said: "Hello Neighbour, I live at —my address— and I am writing to inform you that I am installing a backyard fence this 2023 Spring/Summer season (exact date TBD). The fence will be a few inches within my property. Please note that if you would like to install a fence in the future it may not connect with our fence. Please feel free to reach out."

In response, many shared their thoughts on the letter, as one said: "Literally half the letter is just warning them to not touch your fence even though nobody has given you reason to think that they would. Take out that entire paragraph, you don't need to bring it up until there's a good reason to."

While another stated: "I think a reworded letter is okay, especially once you know the actual install date. The tone just needs to be more diplomatic and less defensive."

Freddie Bennett