(NSW) Our Neighbor Wants to Replace the Fence, But We Can’t Afford It—What Should We Do?
Our neighbor, who seems to be preparing to sell his home, wants to replace our old wooden fence. I understand it’s in poor condition, but the problem is, we simply can’t afford it.
He initially offered to cover the cost upfront, and we would pay him back in installments directly to his bank account. It sounded straightforward. However, when I went to get his bank details last week, he changed his mind and told me to sort it out with the fencer instead.
So, I spoke to the fencer, who appreciated my honesty but explained that he can’t take on that financial arrangement either. He promised to call my neighbor to clarify things.
Now I’m left wondering what to do next. I can’t be forced to pay for a fence I can’t afford, right? I even had a loan application rejected recently.
Our neighbor is planning to tear down the fence next weekend and has already scheduled a crew. We have a young autistic child and a dog, and this situation is really stressful for us.
It seems like our neighbor thinks this should all be simple, but he bought his house and land for $80k and was able to retire in his 50s, so he might not fully understand our circumstances. What are my options here?
It sounds like you’re in a tough situation, and I can understand your concerns, especially with a young child and a dog. Here’s a step-by-step approach you might consider:
Communicate Clearly: Have a calm conversation with your neighbor. Explain your financial situation in detail. Let him know that you genuinely cannot afford the fence at this time and that tearing it down could create more problems for you and your family.
Explore Alternatives: Suggest finding a compromise. For example, propose repairing the current fence instead of replacing it completely. This could be a more affordable option for both parties.
Get Everything in Writing: If your neighbor insists on moving forward, make sure any agreement is documented. This includes payment plans or any other arrangements you agree on.
Seek Assistance: If your neighbor is still determined to replace the fence without your agreement and is planning to tear it down, look into local mediation services or community support. They might help facilitate a resolution between you and your neighbor.
Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with local laws regarding boundary fencing. In New South Wales, there are regulations about the responsibilities of neighbors regarding boundary fences. You might want to contact your local council or a legal service for guidance.
Document Everything: Keep a record of all communications with your neighbor and the fencer. This will be important if things escalate.
Consider Your Next Steps: If the neighbor does proceed with tearing down the fence, and you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, you may need to reach out to local authorities for advice on how to handle the situation, especially for the safety of your child and dog.
Remember, approaching the situation with empathy and a willingness to find solutions can go a long way in resolving conflicts with neighbors. Good luck!