# My neighbor is a complete asshole about property lines. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 26, 2014, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-a-complete-asshole-about-property-lines/699681 "2014-09-26T23:18:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![chiroptera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df705f/32.png) [@chiroptera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chiroptera)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2014, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-a-complete-asshole-about-property-lines/699681/61 "2014-09-28T19:05:50Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > He asked you to put up a fence inside your boundary, then he went and planted trees in the gap between his fence and yours. He’s trying to take possession of that strip of land. The next thing will be him taking his fence down. No, the trees are within his property. Although as they grow, the branches will be over mine. I am calling the township first thing tomorrow, as a starting point. Then, if I need to hire a surveyor and/or attorney, that will be my next move. Hopefully I will get some useful information from the township in order to move forward. The guy who does my lawn just finished, and he did mow between the fences. \*\* Justin\_Bailey\*\* and **Švejk** , my reason was in the OP. In retrospect I was not assertive enough at the time, and I suppose I naively didn’t think about the long-term consequences. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2014, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-a-complete-asshole-about-property-lines/699681/62 "2014-09-28T19:40:30Z")
Take down your fence and reclaim your 2’ before he files to keep it. Then tell him to fuck off about the property line. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2014, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-a-complete-asshole-about-property-lines/699681/63 "2014-09-28T19:56:29Z")
> [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](#): > > Good fences make good neighbors. Yeah, there’s a row of rose bushes on the one property line, and a strip of strawberry plants on the other. I can’t tell you how much peace of mind that gives me, not to mention breakfast fruit. I really don’t like fences, unless it’s necessary to keep a dog in. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2014, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-a-complete-asshole-about-property-lines/699681/64 "2014-09-28T20:51:57Z")
> [@chiroptera](#): > > No, the trees are within his property. Although as they grow, the branches will be over mine. In which case, the law will probably entitle you to prune off the branches extending over your property. 😃 There’s actually a good reason for having fences a few feet apart - to deter deer. They don’t like jumping a fence if there isn’t adequate room in which to land and they feel they might be trapped in no man’s land. There are all kinds of bad neighbors. One memorable one we had was mentally unstable and used to bring back large snakes from his river expeditions to let loose in his yard, to control the varmints attracted to the brush piles he let build up. Mrs. J. was not happy about that. ---
**Author:** ![chiroptera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df705f/32.png) [@chiroptera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chiroptera)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2014, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-a-complete-asshole-about-property-lines/699681/65 "2014-09-28T20:56:16Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > In which case, the law will probably entitle you to prune off the branches extending over your property. 😃 > > There’s actually a good reason for having fences a few feet apart - to deter deer. They don’t like jumping a fence if there isn’t adequate room in which to land and they feel they might be trapped in no man’s land. > > There are all kinds of bad neighbors. One memorable one we had was mentally unstable and used to bring back large snakes from his river expeditions to let loose in his yard, to control the varmints attracted to the brush piles he let build up. Mrs. J. was not happy about that. :eek: Actually I like snakes, a lot. But I am pretty sure my dogs would make short work of snakes (or get bitten, in which case we have a whole 'nother narrative.) You are right about the deer, though. ---
**Author:** ![Learjeff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/94ad74/32.png) [@Learjeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Learjeff)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2014, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-a-complete-asshole-about-property-lines/699681/66 "2014-09-29T15:32:56Z")
It’s a good idea to go little out of your way to accommodate reasonable requests by neighbors, in the interest of neighborly harmony. I don’t think you acted foolishly, though I do think that as it turns out, it wasn’t the best choice. But don’t chide yourself for being a wimp; feel good about yourself for trying to be accommodating. But clearly you’re going to have to establish your legal rights. I suggest you do this in the least aggressive way. There’s no point in punching a hornet’s nest. In the end it might do way more damage to the hornets, but it won’t be great for you either. Definitely don’t act while you feel angry. It’s understandable that you feel that way, but do your best to continue to be sensible and neighborly (even though he doesn’t deserve it.) Continue to cultivate his wife’s friendship, and a good way is to try to avoid antagonizing the situation (while maintaining your legal rights). > [@Procrustus](#): > > Probably not. If you grant permission the use is not “adverse”. That’s my understanding too, but it’s not that simple either. State laws vary, and this is a simple matter for an attorney, so take this opportunity to find someone to establish a relationship, in case you _really_ need an attorney in the future. I suggest a local firm, not one that advertises on TV. Those TV firms might have their uses, but not what I’d suggest here. > [@enipla](#): > > chiroptera, it sounds like your are making the correct moves. Don’t forget to document everything. Right! Every time I’ve bought a house (5 times), we got a survey as a matter of course. I’m surprised you didn’t get one. There should still be evidence of that survey, both in the documentation from the sale and wooden stakes in the ground (or whatever they do in your state for a home sale.) If there isn’t good evidence of a survey, then get one. Talk to the lawyer first, who can help in this area (knowing precisely what you need, recommending a surveyor, etc.) > [@chiroptera](#): > > Justin\_Bailey\*\* and **Švejk** , my reason was in the OP. In retrospect I was not assertive enough at the time, and I suppose I naively didn’t think about the long-term consequences. I think you were being reasonable, and only in hindsight weren’t being assertive enough. Now’s the time to fix it, which hopefully can be done with a minimum of fuss. I suggest you not say anything to the neighbor. Just do what needs to be done. If asked, just calmly say that it’s based on legal advice, or anything that’s true but nonconfrontational. Don’t even mention his yelling at the kid, or anything. Don’t mention the fact that he promised to mow it but didn’t. Give the asshat face-saving “outs” whenever possible, but without yielding any property or your rights or your personal dignity. The last thing you want is a pissing match with a crazy person, especially one who lives right next door. THAT should be the long-term strategy. > [@chiroptera](#): > > Actually I like snakes, a lot. Me too, though I’m a bit less fond of them after a copperhead bit me on my little to a few weeks ago. Dang, did that hurt! All better now, thank goodness, and glad it bit me rather than my dog. ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2014, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-a-complete-asshole-about-property-lines/699681/67 "2014-09-29T17:40:14Z")
I agree with **Joey P** , be extra-nice to the wife and you might have a much easier time with the husband. After all, she has dealt with him for years. ---
**Author:** ![Count\_Blucher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2014, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-a-complete-asshole-about-property-lines/699681/68 "2014-09-29T17:43:59Z")
> [@Chimera](#): > > Take down your fence and reclaim your 2’ before he files to keep it. …and avoid him like Plague! If he approaches you, walk away. If he starts to talk or scream or yell, just waive your hand in the air as you walk away as a non committal and non threatening response. Do it enough that all the other neighbors Know that that’s what you do when confronted by your Psycho. If he pushes things negatively or tries something, it’ll come up in interviews and you’ll be rid of him for five years or so… and possibly much longer. Look, most mortgages last 30 years; with luck he won’t. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-a-complete-asshole-about-property-lines/699681.md?page=3)