“Gave The City Official A Good Laugh”: Couple Finds Loophole In Rules To Get Back At Neighbors
Having rude neighbors constantly watching your every move can be exhausting, and for this family on Reddit, it was a daily struggle.
As a disabled couple, they couldn’t keep their lawn exactly how their perfectionist neighbors wanted and were reported for every tiny issue. After dealing with it for long enough, they decided to strike back with petty revenge and found some creative decor to send a clear message. Keep scrolling to see what they came up with!
This disabled couple had trouble keeping their lawn exactly how their nitpicky neighbors wanted
Image credits: Alan Miller / Pexels (not the actual photo)
So, after being reported one too many times, they finally decided to get some petty revenge
Image credits: MART PRODUCTION / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Kaboompics.com / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Image credits: SeaUtopia
Image credits: SeaUtopia
For most people, annoying neighbors are inevitable
Many of us have likely dealt with a difficult or frustrating neighbor at some point in our lives, though they probably weren’t as persistent as the ones the couple on Reddit had to handle.
In the U.S., more than half of Americans report having an annoying neighbor, according to a survey by Lombardo Homes. Most of these complaints come from those living in single-family homes, but apartment residents aren’t far behind—sharing walls with others is bound to lead to some conflicts.
Unsurprisingly, noise is the number one issue. After all, who likes being woken up by a leaf blower at the crack of dawn on a Sunday morning or a party that rattles the entire neighborhood?
Other common gripes include people who don’t clean up after their pets, nosy neighbors, parking disputes, unsupervised children running wild, aggressive pets, upstairs neighbors with heavy footsteps, cigarette smoke, poorly maintained landscaping, and passive-aggressive behavior.
But there’s only so much one can tolerate. In fact, 1 in 7 people have chosen not to renew a lease solely due to troublesome neighbors. Around 14% have packed up and moved entirely, and 20% have filed formal complaints.
But disliking a neighbor is one thing; confronting them is another. About 37% of people have had a face-to-face conversation to address their concerns, while 13% have left a note instead. Another 15% have resorted to calling the police. And then there are those, like the family from Reddit, who prefer a more subtle approach—getting petty to settle the score, as 17% admit to doing.
Of course, sometimes your neighbor doesn’t have to do anything wrong for you to dislike them—you might just not click with certain people. 70% of Americans say they talk to their neighbors, but 45% would rather avoid it, and 1 in 3 find overly chatty neighbors bothersome.
All things considered, it seems harder to get along with neighbors than not. But if you’re one of the lucky ones who can call your neighbor a friend, count yourself fortunate!
Commenters loved how the couple handled the situation and suggested some more fun ideas for them to try next
Poll Question
Thanks! Check out the results:
Chives for the win. They spread well too, but when mown, waft an onion scented cloud into the neighborhood.
Load More Replies...Our local dentist, when he got complaint about his holiday decorations - he did elaborate (and tasteful) decorations, bought even more life sized mannequins, dressed them in lingerie, and placed them around the yard, including in trees. He leaves them up year round. Those who know him, know him. Apparently, he lost very few patients. People need to choose their battles and consider the potential of those who just don't give a damn about appearances.
Ugh. You're talking about my neighbors on both sides! Ones retired with absolutely nothing else to do but maintain a "perfect golf course lawn". The other wants to look impressive/rich. They hate all birds, all animals -even a pet cat out for a stroll, all insects -even pollinators). They hate dandelions (not dislike, hate, as if they were manifestations of the devil). They mow the tiniest bit you can mow, 3 times a week. They bad talk anyone who does not have their lawn as green and even, their property as "perfectly boring" as theirs. My property is organic (theirs heavily herbicide/pesticides), with native plants, water, berries, seeds, a friendly oasis for all critters. It's so hard to get the stink eye (constantly) & get the city called for supposed infractions (not one has "stuck"). They can't comprehend how I manage to win awards for best garden every year (at the municipal and provincial level; I don't care about this). Anyone who does something different from them "is wrong".
I would much rather look at your garden than your neighbours green desert. Wish I could help you with the clover lawn query. We seem to have gained large patches naturally. The pollinators love it.
Load More Replies...Chives for the win. They spread well too, but when mown, waft an onion scented cloud into the neighborhood.
Load More Replies...Our local dentist, when he got complaint about his holiday decorations - he did elaborate (and tasteful) decorations, bought even more life sized mannequins, dressed them in lingerie, and placed them around the yard, including in trees. He leaves them up year round. Those who know him, know him. Apparently, he lost very few patients. People need to choose their battles and consider the potential of those who just don't give a damn about appearances.
Ugh. You're talking about my neighbors on both sides! Ones retired with absolutely nothing else to do but maintain a "perfect golf course lawn". The other wants to look impressive/rich. They hate all birds, all animals -even a pet cat out for a stroll, all insects -even pollinators). They hate dandelions (not dislike, hate, as if they were manifestations of the devil). They mow the tiniest bit you can mow, 3 times a week. They bad talk anyone who does not have their lawn as green and even, their property as "perfectly boring" as theirs. My property is organic (theirs heavily herbicide/pesticides), with native plants, water, berries, seeds, a friendly oasis for all critters. It's so hard to get the stink eye (constantly) & get the city called for supposed infractions (not one has "stuck"). They can't comprehend how I manage to win awards for best garden every year (at the municipal and provincial level; I don't care about this). Anyone who does something different from them "is wrong".
I would much rather look at your garden than your neighbours green desert. Wish I could help you with the clover lawn query. We seem to have gained large patches naturally. The pollinators love it.
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