Splitting fence cost with neighbor

[bphillips]

Sounds like he needs to pay up to tie in but if he doesnt want to split it would be cheaper for him to just set corner posts really close (assuming it's on the property line and you didn't set the fence inside your property)

[BigL]

You did Good...If he will not pay-up then don't let him attach.

We talked on the phone today and that's what I told him. He's offering to pay less than 1/2 because they are going to be getting a pool and already spent the money. I told him no and they can't connect until they pay.

Face to Face talk is a good way to deal with something like this. I was building my fence neighbor came out and ask what was his part, I told him and he cut me a check right then.

He texted me last night at 10pm and didn't answer when I tried to call back. They are out of town until Monday and he was hoping to have the fence complete when he got home. We talked on the phone since then and still no resolution. I've waited two years, I can wait longer. He wants fence done before they start their pool so he's more motivated to clear this up than I am.

[solocam_aggie]

Good for you. I would tell him to pound sand as well if he doesnt pay up.

[Rush2Judge]

Sounds like you have handled it perfectly; without getting angry about it, but not backing down. Your neighbor may not be a bad guy. Just not a man of his word. He probably figured he would never have need of a fence and didn't want to pay. Now he's stuck. One of three things will happen now; 1) he pays up, 2) he tries to set a post next to yours, or 3) he delays or cancels the pool. My money would be on 2). In which case, I would go move my fence to leave him with a gap. But I have been known to be a bit spiteful at times.

[BigL]

Sounds like you have handled it perfectly; without getting angry about it, but not backing down. Your neighbor may not be a bad guy. Just not a man of his word. He probably figured he would never have need of a fence and didn't want to pay. Now he's stuck. One of three things will happen now; 1) he pays up, 2) he tries to set a post next to yours, or 3) he delays or cancels the pool. My money would be on 2). In which case, I would go move my fence to leave him with a gap. But I have been known to be a bit spiteful at times.

#2 is correct. Hasn't paid and set fence right next to mine. I may have to replace my pickets soon and decide what color to paint the other side of my fence...

That fence is 210' long. I think its going to have a message about how fences are supposed to make good neighbors not show who doesn't keep their word...

[Bill]

If he needs a fence around his property because of the new pool (either municipal code or insurance) he needs both the 1/2 of the one you put in, plus the new section.

I'd go talk to him and say as you get older, the more you are starting to hate fences- they make you feel like a prisoner in your own yard and like you're living in a darn California suburb! You've actually been thinking of tearing down the one you built 2 years ago on the border of his property to get more of an open-space feeling, maybe put in an electric fence for the dog.

Now, what did you want to do about the $X which was your half of the fence cost between us and then you'd have a say in the decision if I take it down or leave it up?

Ball's in his court. Tell him you'll take a personal check.

[Charles]

You handled it well.

Just out of spite, send him a Christmas card every year with a picture of a Fence

[Pony1971]

Good fences .... make good neighbors.

Just not in this case.

[Fla Hunter]

I'm dealing with the same situation with the new neighbors. I have an exist chain link and now wanting to put up a privacy fence due to their nosey nature and their 18 dogs... I notify county ordinance in regards to the dog and they have yet to do something meanwhile on hot days you smell feces and you hear a constant yapping from 18 jack russels. I spoke with them about it just resulted in them cussing and making threats to my family and I. We deal with constant harassment from them: intimidation, them reviving their busted out cars motor in the early hours, shining spot lights in the window 12-1 am and all sort of other frivolous antics. Sheriff's office comes at least twice a week.

For what it's worth I'd just foot the bill then to deal with a situation like mine...

[BigL]

If he needs a fence around his property because of the new pool (either municipal code or insurance) he needs both the 1/2 of the one you put in, plus the new section.

I'd go talk to him and say as you get older, the more you are starting to hate fences- they make you feel like a prisoner in your own yard and like you're living in a darn California suburb! You've actually been thinking of tearing down the one you built 2 years ago on the border of his property to get more of an open-space feeling, maybe put in an electric fence for the dog.

Now, what did you want to do about the $X which was your half of the fence cost between us and then you'd have a say in the decision if I take it down or leave it up?

Ball's in his court. Tell him you'll take a personal check.

He needs the fence for insurance and that's all. My other neighbor put a pool in and didn't have a fence for a good 6+ months. I offered to split the cost and he flat out said he couldn't afford it at the time. We called everyone and because where we live none of the codes applied. Funny how they found the money after I got whiskey bent one night and went skinny dipping in their pool. They heard my splash, came outside, and I said jump in the water is good. They built the fence within a week and never asked me for 1/2. I had to go ask him how much I owed and wrote the check. They have avoided me since then.

[2B4Him]

You have handled it fine so far.
I would caution you to show restraint in taking any 'action' with regard to the fence. Yes, he deserves it. Yes, it would make you feel better. BUT, that would lower you toward his level rather than 'sticking it to him'. (He won't learn any more lesson that he already has.)
I don't see a problem with regular reminders to the guy that he promised to pay half. But that should be between the two of you, not spread to your other neighbors, etc.
He already knows he is the bad actor. You know he is the bad actor. Don't join his side by doing something to try to 'show him'.

[35remington]

You have handled it fine so far.
I would caution you to show restraint in taking any 'action' with regard to the fence. Yes, he deserves it. Yes, it would make you feel better. BUT, that would lower you toward his level rather than 'sticking it to him'. (He won't learn any more lesson that he already has.)
I don't see a problem with regular reminders to the guy that he promised to pay half. But that should be between the two of you, not spread to your other neighbors, etc.
He already knows he is the bad actor. You know he is the bad actor. Don't join his side by doing something to try to 'show him'.

Username checks out

[MySRT8U]

We just put up a little under 3 miles of fence and not one neighbor offered to help with the cost labor ect. We didnt ask either but they sure came out with a nice pretty new fence! We still let them tie into it... no reason to get into it with the neighbors. Part of me wanted to tell them no but just aint worth it.

This.

You have to live next to this guy for more than likely quite a while. It wouldn't be worth it to me to get into it over a two year old debt.


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[texas assasin]

Same I did a fence that includes two neighbors. All were going to help.... No money yet. I was gonna do it anyway. Sucks but is what it is.

[BigL]

You have handled it fine so far.
I would caution you to show restraint in taking any 'action' with regard to the fence. Yes, he deserves it. Yes, it would make you feel better. BUT, that would lower you toward his level rather than 'sticking it to him'. (He won't learn any more lesson that he already has.)
I don't see a problem with regular reminders to the guy that he promised to pay half. But that should be between the two of you, not spread to your other neighbors, etc.
He already knows he is the bad actor. You know he is the bad actor. Don't join his side by doing something to try to 'show him'.

I wasn't going to say anything to the neighbors. I was joking about painting the outside of my fence that would be visible inside his backyard.

Actually I think he wants to pay but his wife is the one stopping him...