Neighbor wanting to install privacy screen

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Neighbor wanting to install privacy screen

Jacky Johnson
Member since 2020 · 83 posts · 9 votes

I'm a new homeowner and recently I chopped down two trees in my backyard. My neighbor on the other side of the backyard suddenly felt they lost their privacy and talked with us about how upset and devastated they are. I installed a privacy screen about 2' x 8' above the fence just to reimburse the neighbors and they said it's not enough. We also discussed that if they were to install another more study and high quality privacy screen and they paid for it, it's ok with me. A few days ago a handyman that I was unaware of rang my doorbell saying that my neighbor wanted to install their version of the privacy screen (2x as tall) and asked for my permission to enter my backyard to complete the installation. I refused the handyman (not sure if he is legit or not). Today I received a letter from my neighbor reminding me of what we discussed and how I refused their handyman and they requested again that they would like to have the handyman come to backyard to complete the privacy screen installation by installing part of it on our side (the neighbor hasn't started installing anything yet). The neighbor also said if I refused by 1/1 of next year, they will start installing it on their side by removing a couple of boards and putting them back in later. Should I let the handyman come in and complete the installation of this privacy screen on my side? What are the pros and cons? (I do not feel my privacy is lost at all, only my neighbor, but I do concern about safety of my home if I allow the handyman to come in). Thank you.

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Bruce WoodruffPro Member
Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
4y

Screw your neighbor. It was your trees, on your property, that you removed. None of their business. If they had been nicer I would consider helping them out but they sound too entitled.

Question: who owns the fence? Is it 50/50? They may not even have the right to attach a privacy screen to the fence.

If this is really bugging them, they can install a screen of some sort that is attached to the ground on their side of the fence.

Something else to note....depending on your city, there are height limits to side-yard fences (7-8 ft usually)

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  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    4y

    Screw your neighbor. It was your trees, on your property, that you removed. None of their business. If they had been nicer I would consider helping them out but they sound too entitled.

    Question: who owns the fence? Is it 50/50? They may not even have the right to attach a privacy screen to the fence.

    If this is really bugging them, they can install a screen of some sort that is attached to the ground on their side of the fence.

    Something else to note....depending on your city, there are height limits to side-yard fences (7-8 ft usually)

    8Reply
  • Account Closed
    Real Estate Agent · Brentwood, CA · Member since 2021 · 34 posts · 21 votes
    4y

    Damn, I would lowkey catch hands with my neighbors if they did that lol. It's your home anyway, why are they determining what to do with your OWN home just because they be bitchin. 

    1Reply
  • JD MartinBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Rock Star Extraordinaire · Northeast, TN · Member since 2015 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes
    4y

    1. Whose fence is it? If it's your fence, then you should do as you wish. If it's your neighbor's fence, but they just need a little more room to work by coming on your property to do the installation, I don't really see the problem with that. 

    2. What does removing a couple of boards and putting them back later mean? I assume that means they would take some fence boards out so that they can access the fence from your side, which goes back to #1. 

    3. What safety of your home are you concerned with? Did the handyman look shady? Is he working in a delicate area or can see that you have valuables everywhere?

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  • Max T.
    Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2015 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    4y

    @Jacky Johnson

    Your yard

    Your trees

    Your new fence.

    2Reply
  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    4y

    The trees were in your yard. If they aren't happy, let them do something in their yard to increase their privacy.  They are trying to do that, but why do they need to go on your side of the fence to install the screen?  Ask them what the handyman needs to do from your side of the fence.

    2Reply
  • Jacky Johnson
    OP
    Member since 2020 · 83 posts · 9 votes
    4y
    Originally posted by @Bruce Woodruff:

    Screw your neighbor. It was your trees, on your property, that you removed. None of their business. If they had been nicer I would consider helping them out but they sound too entitled.

    Question: who owns the fence? Is it 50/50? They may not even have the right to attach a privacy screen to the fence.

    If this is really bugging them, they can install a screen of some sort that is attached to the ground on their side of the fence.

    Something else to note....depending on your city, there are height limits to side-yard fences (7-8 ft usually)

     The fence was installed by the neighbor's previous owner but I checked that the current height of the fence + privacy screen is 86 inches already and the max height of the fence by my city's code is 72 inches with an exception of up till 96 inches only if the rear yard is abutting an interior side yard (I think that's my case). 

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  • Jacky Johnson
    OP
    Member since 2020 · 83 posts · 9 votes
    4y
    Originally posted by @JD Martin:

    1. Whose fence is it? If it's your fence, then you should do as you wish. If it's your neighbor's fence, but they just need a little more room to work by coming on your property to do the installation, I don't really see the problem with that. 

    2. What does removing a couple of boards and putting them back later mean? I assume that means they would take some fence boards out so that they can access the fence from your side, which goes back to #1. 

    3. What safety of your home are you concerned with? Did the handyman look shady? Is he working in a delicate area or can see that you have valuables everywhere?



    The fence was installed by the neighbor's previous owner but I checked that the current height of the fence + privacy screen is 86 inches already and the max height of the fence by my city's code is 72 inches with an exception of up till 96 inches only if the rear yard is abutting an interior side yard (I think that's my case). The handyman got his hoodies on when he rang my doorbell, so I'm suspicious. Also, since my neighbor is hiring a handyman, I'm concerned if he were to have an accident while working on my backyard, who is going to be responsible?

    2Reply
  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    4y
    Originally posted by @Jacky Johnson:

    That would be you. Good thinking. Have your neighbor sign a release.

    1Reply
  • Bud Gaffney
    Rental Property Investor · Boston, MA · Member since 2019 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    4y

    @Jacky Johnson your neighbors blow. Move

    0Reply
  • Rena Lopez
    Specialist · Kaneohe, HI · Member since 2020 · 5 posts · 1 vote
    4y

    @Jacky Johnson

    It’s your property. Why are you accommodating their complaints? They want privacy well tell them to install their own fence on their buck.

    1Reply
  • Michael Noto
    Real Estate Agent · Southington, CT · Member since 2008 · 5k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    4y

    If they want more privacy tell them to construct whatever they want on their property at their own cost. Nothing you do will ever please these people. I love when people by a house in a neighborhood setting and expect a lot of outside privacy, they live in bananaland. 

    2Reply
  • Adam Martin
    Rental Property Investor · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    4y

    Personally I wouldn’t have agreed to pay for the screen the first time.  You did however so it seems like you aren’t opposed to the screen  so I would let them have their handyman install it.  If you are worried have them hire someone who is insured so that takes the liability off of you.  I would also make it very clear that while you are allowing it you have the right to remove it and they are responsible for upkeep.  I don’t know anything about these screens but I wouldn’t want to maintain one.  My bigger question though is did they plant their own trees?

    1Reply
  • Mary M.
    Rental Property Investor · Portland OR · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    4y

    wow, well, if this were me I would allow neighbor access so they can build their screen.  if you are concerned with liability have the handyman show proof of insurance. 

    if the fence belongs to the neighbors they can take it apart if they want.  

    why escalate an already stressful situation? help your neighbor by being a decent person...  sheesh.

    7Reply
  • Mary M.
    Rental Property Investor · Portland OR · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    4y
    Originally posted by @Adam Martin:

    Personally I wouldn’t have agreed to pay for the screen the first time.  You did however so it seems like you aren’t opposed to the screen  so I would let them have their handyman install it.  If you are worried have them hire someone who is insured so that takes the liability off of you.  I would also make it very clear that while you are allowing it you have the right to remove it and they are responsible for upkeep.  I don’t know anything about these screens but I wouldn’t want to maintain one.  My bigger question though is did they plant their own trees?

    The OP has zero right to dismantle something that is not on their property.  its always great to read these comments where the folks posting are not the ones that will deal with the ramifications of what they suggest.  Its always better to try to get along with your neighbors if at all possible. 

    1Reply
  • Mary M.
    Rental Property Investor · Portland OR · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    4y
    Originally posted by @Michael Noto:

    If they want more privacy tell them to construct whatever they want on their property at their own cost. Nothing you do will ever please these people. I love when people by a house in a neighborhood setting and expect a lot of outside privacy, they live in bananaland. 

     Right because the OP didnt start all this by removing trees with out at least letting his neighbor know it would happen (the polite and neighborly thing to do)  what is with all the aggression on this thread??

    0Reply
  • Russell BrazilBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes
    4y

    @Jacky Johnson What exactly do you mean by "The handyman got his hoodies on when he rang my doorbell, so I'm suspicious." ?

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  • Joe SplitrockPro Member
    Moderator
    Rental Property Investor · Sioux Falls, SD · Member since 2015 · 9k+ posts · 18k+ votes
    4y

    I agree with @Mary M. to let the neighbor have their handyman install the shield. The neighbor is already tense. I assure you that having bad relations with neighbors will only hurt you in the long run. You already agreed to a solution, so going back now will make it worse. 

    I understand that legally you can remove the trees. Legally you don't need to let anyone in your yard. Legally you can tell the neighbor to pound sand. You can tell the neighbor his wife is ugly and you could care less what he thinks. Just because something is legal, doesn't mean it is the best decision. 

    I am a firm believer that if you are making modifications to your yard that may affect your neighbor, consult your neighbor to get their opinion. It doesn't mean you have to do what your neighbor wants, but have the courtesy of having the dialogue. Treat your neighbors kindly and they will treat you kindly in return. You have no idea how many ways a neighbor can help or hurt you.

    2Reply
  • Andrew B.
    Rockaway, NJ · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    4y

    Everyone else has already pointed out your rights to do what you please on your property, so I wont go into that.

    However, I need to out your inconsistency here. You invited them to build the privacy screen, then refused access to do so. That's going to be confusing on the neighbors side. I don't think you're obligated to install the privacy screen, but you need to figure that out before you continue the conversation. At this time, nobody is helping the situation. 

    2Reply
  • Matthew Olszak
    Real Estate Broker · Chicago, IL · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    4y

    Seems awfully petty at this point if you're out there measuring the fence and reading up on city code. I could understand if its some ramshackle screen, but its giving you both privacy and you aren't paying a dime.

    Me personally I value peace and tranquility at home and enjoy the friendly relationships I maintain with my neighbors versus creating problems where none exist.

    1Reply
  • Jacky Johnson
    OP
    Member since 2020 · 83 posts · 9 votes
    4y
    Originally posted by @Adam Martin:

    Personally I wouldn’t have agreed to pay for the screen the first time.  You did however so it seems like you aren’t opposed to the screen  so I would let them have their handyman install it.  If you are worried have them hire someone who is insured so that takes the liability off of you.  I would also make it very clear that while you are allowing it you have the right to remove it and they are responsible for upkeep.  I don’t know anything about these screens but I wouldn’t want to maintain one.  My bigger question though is did they plant their own trees?

    They will pay for the entire cost of the screen. They did try to plan a few trees (those that have grown 5-6 feet).

    0Reply
  • Jacky Johnson
    OP
    Member since 2020 · 83 posts · 9 votes
    4y
    Originally posted by @Mary M.:

    wow, well, if this were me I would allow neighbor access so they can build their screen.  if you are concerned with liability have the handyman show proof of insurance. 

    if the fence belongs to the neighbors they can take it apart if they want.  

    why escalate an already stressful situation? help your neighbor by being a decent person...  sheesh.

     the fence is co-owned.

    0Reply
  • Jacky Johnson
    OP
    Member since 2020 · 83 posts · 9 votes
    4y
    Originally posted by @Andrew B.:

    Everyone else has already pointed out your rights to do what you please on your property, so I wont go into that.

    However, I need to out your inconsistency here. You invited them to build the privacy screen, then refused access to do so. That's going to be confusing on the neighbors side. I don't think you're obligated to install the privacy screen, but you need to figure that out before you continue the conversation. At this time, nobody is helping the situation. 

    I agreed that they can build their privacy screen at their own cost, but never agreed to allow access through my property to do so.

    0Reply
  • Jacky Johnson
    OP
    Member since 2020 · 83 posts · 9 votes
    4y
    Originally posted by @Russell Brazil:

    @Jacky Johnson What exactly do you mean by "The handyman got his hoodies on when he rang my doorbell, so I'm suspicious." ?

    I couldn't see the handyman's face clearly because he had his hoodies on.

    0Reply
  • Jonathan R McLaughlin
    Rental Property Investor · Boston, Massachusetts (MA) · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    4y

    @Jacky Johnson YOU have created this awkward situation. It is absurd to ban the handyman from your property when you invited them to put up the fence and offered to pay for it. The neighbors are certainly confused and probably convinced you can't be trusted. 

    To get back to something resembling a normal conversation just send a note or meet and say "sorry about the confusion, the handyman wasn't clear about what they were doing and I might have panicked a little. Of course they can come on the property to work on the fence. Just make sure they are insured will you?" 

    2Reply
  • Karen MargraveBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Realtor, General Contractor, and Developer · Redding, CA · Member since 2009 · 7k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    4y

    @Jacky Johnson I'd ask to see design of fence. Many times every other section faces neighboring property and might involve going onto property. If they're not asking for reimbursement it is a big benefit to you. Just be sure to get something regarding no liability or responsibility for permits, requiring it meeting codes, payment, etc put on other homeowner

    Signed by all owners and contractor, and a lien release from contractor so that you can't be liable for non payment.

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