I live in a townhouse (Victorian terrace, long narrow gardens). On one side lived The Neighbours From Hell. They damaged my panel fencing which constitutes the long boundary between our gardens by hanging heavy flower-containers, planted 'rampant invasives' like mallow, buddleia and fuscia so close to the fence their shrubs overhung my garden and roots did further damage to fence. They used the lane which runs the length of the terrace at the end of the garden to clean their cars, positioning them behind my property and deteriorating my two-metre high wooden fence there (chemicals, power-hosing etc.) to the extent I had to have it removed and a wall built. When I asked they re-position tubs and take out planting close to the boundary fence so I could have a wall built the response was they needed more notice and if my builder so much as "put a foot on their land" they would claim trespass - so I abandoned the struggle and the old fence remains. I returned from holiday at one stage to find they had nailed 4x4 posts along the length of the garden on their side and fixed a double line of razor-wire, and a CCTV directed at my garden. They replaced their own rear fence at the time. Instead of sinking uprights they used my concrete post (and that of the neighbour to the other side of them) to support their new fence to save money.
I need to be clear it is my fence. The system locally is that each house is responsible for installing/maintaining the fence to the left-hand side viewed from the house.
I consulted solicitors at the time (about 6 years ago) and was advised (a) their planting was illegal and as it damaged my garden it was technically damage to my property; (b) not much could be done to have them remove the CCTV camera as they were entitled to secure their property in whatever manner they wished, though this particular tactic might be considered rather bizarre and (c) the razor-wire was positioned in a manner which broke the law. They could position razor-wire along their boundary if it was over 2 metres above ground-level. The solicitor warned that boundary disputes could absorb a great deal of time and money and advised on "any other possible route" to get around the issues.
I decided life was too short. I would rise above it. I spent about £500 on trellising and planted jasmines, clematis etc. which blocked the unsightly and disturbing razor-wire.
The neighbours moved to another property - not far away - three years ago and rented out the house next to me. The garden has grown wild as the tenants don't use it and are not interested. I didn't mind this at all as this encouraged a variety of birds and wildlife and made my garden - which I am passionate about - even more of a joy. I willingly put in an extra 10 hours or so pruning back next-door's overhanging shrubs etc.
Now they have put the house on the market. My question is this. I have grown used to the fact of the (hidden) razor-wire and the CCTV and their solution to their rear fence BUT this evidence of "neighbour problems" would be apparent if/when I need to sell my house. How or what action do I need to take to clear up these issues. Should I approach the estate agent who is selling the property for them? Do I need to go to solicitors for the letter to the present owners? I dread a continuation of this saga with the next owner.
Any comments or advice would be very welcome!
I need to be clear it is my fence. The system locally is that each house is responsible for installing/maintaining the fence to the left-hand side viewed from the house.
I consulted solicitors at the time (about 6 years ago) and was advised (a) their planting was illegal and as it damaged my garden it was technically damage to my property; (b) not much could be done to have them remove the CCTV camera as they were entitled to secure their property in whatever manner they wished, though this particular tactic might be considered rather bizarre and (c) the razor-wire was positioned in a manner which broke the law. They could position razor-wire along their boundary if it was over 2 metres above ground-level. The solicitor warned that boundary disputes could absorb a great deal of time and money and advised on "any other possible route" to get around the issues.
I decided life was too short. I would rise above it. I spent about £500 on trellising and planted jasmines, clematis etc. which blocked the unsightly and disturbing razor-wire.
The neighbours moved to another property - not far away - three years ago and rented out the house next to me. The garden has grown wild as the tenants don't use it and are not interested. I didn't mind this at all as this encouraged a variety of birds and wildlife and made my garden - which I am passionate about - even more of a joy. I willingly put in an extra 10 hours or so pruning back next-door's overhanging shrubs etc.
Now they have put the house on the market. My question is this. I have grown used to the fact of the (hidden) razor-wire and the CCTV and their solution to their rear fence BUT this evidence of "neighbour problems" would be apparent if/when I need to sell my house. How or what action do I need to take to clear up these issues. Should I approach the estate agent who is selling the property for them? Do I need to go to solicitors for the letter to the present owners? I dread a continuation of this saga with the next owner.
Any comments or advice would be very welcome!