When neighbors don't maintain their share of a shared feature of adjoining lots
06-11-2008 | 06:17 PM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: 04-19-2006
Posts: 457
From: Phoenix, AZ
Sounds like you need to check your HOA's CC&R's -
As to the "gentleman's agreement", we should all know that those rarely exist, if at all. I oversee many a contract in my line of work, and when we meet with a new or prospective supplier/vendor, etc., I give them a major initial directive - "If it isn't in writing, it doesn't exist." And this goes both ways, in that my contractors may want money for something I didn't direct them to do, OR I may want my contractors to do something, but they shouldn't do it until a formal contract change order is FINALIZED.
I know this isn't the type of thing you would enter into with your neighbor, but the principle remains - get an agreement in writing before spending a dime. Otherwise, as is your current situation, you're stuck with the costs AND still unhappy with the situation.
As to the "gentleman's agreement", we should all know that those rarely exist, if at all. I oversee many a contract in my line of work, and when we meet with a new or prospective supplier/vendor, etc., I give them a major initial directive - "If it isn't in writing, it doesn't exist." And this goes both ways, in that my contractors may want money for something I didn't direct them to do, OR I may want my contractors to do something, but they shouldn't do it until a formal contract change order is FINALIZED.
I know this isn't the type of thing you would enter into with your neighbor, but the principle remains - get an agreement in writing before spending a dime. Otherwise, as is your current situation, you're stuck with the costs AND still unhappy with the situation.
06-11-2008 | 10:27 PM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: 11-27-2007
Posts: 1,115
From: Austin, Texas
Maybe the best appraoch is to "reset" your mind and pretend you own the pond. I mow 2 neighbors' road frontage, on our shared road, simply because I like to keep it in better shape than they do. Result is that all the neighbors appreciate it, and it only costs me a few hours labor per year (fast quad with a bush hog) which is way easier than talking my neighbors into doing it themselves. Result=zero stress.
06-11-2008 | 11:02 PM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: 07-12-2006
Posts: 1,703
From: NE Ohio
Very nice view, thanks to you! What about the different algae eating fish? My Dad bought one to put in his pond (only about 20' X 40') and just this one fish seems to do a good job. Can't remember the type of species, I think there are several. I can check with him though. Might save some $$$ if the neighbor won't pony up.
