For a bit of background, if you ever asked me a question starting with "Have your neighbors finished...", I'd just cut you off there with a 'no'. They never have. Big tree they started cutting down last year? Still there; half of it anyway. Fence between us that got flattened by a dead tree from their backyard two years ago and jury-rigged after? I was naive enough to accept being told that they'd take care of it, that's not happening.
I've tried to ask about these things over the years, but the biggest problem I have is straight-up language barrier: there is about one adult next door that speaks English to the point that I can have a conversation without a translation. And that person is not the property owner - it's a rental house, far as I know, and the owner is also rarely around.
They're good folks, it's just that communication is incredibly difficult. I'm looking at taking matters into my own hands and getting my fence fixed and redone this summer, and I'd need to both let them know and get someone over there to move all the stuff they have stacked up against the fence on their side.
My choice at this point is either trying to catch owner dude when he's a) around, b) not elbows-deep in an engine, and c) aforementioned third party is available; or to drop them a letter. Has anyone dealt with this sort of situation before, or am I being dumb and missing blatant alternatives?
I've tried to ask about these things over the years, but the biggest problem I have is straight-up language barrier: there is about one adult next door that speaks English to the point that I can have a conversation without a translation. And that person is not the property owner - it's a rental house, far as I know, and the owner is also rarely around.
They're good folks, it's just that communication is incredibly difficult. I'm looking at taking matters into my own hands and getting my fence fixed and redone this summer, and I'd need to both let them know and get someone over there to move all the stuff they have stacked up against the fence on their side.
My choice at this point is either trying to catch owner dude when he's a) around, b) not elbows-deep in an engine, and c) aforementioned third party is available; or to drop them a letter. Has anyone dealt with this sort of situation before, or am I being dumb and missing blatant alternatives?
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