Why You Should Think Twice Before Moving Your Neighbor's Stuff Off Your Property

There's no denying that difficult neighbours are a source of frustration and even stress at times. One of the most irritating annoyances is having a neighbor that leaves their stuff on your property. If the neighbor refuses to move the items, even after repeated requests, your first instinct may be to have it hauled away. However, you should think twice before removing your neighbor's stuff from your property, as you could be held liable for damage that occurs during the moving process.

While you cannot move things that belong to your neighbor or dispose of the items, there are steps you can take to force them to move their junk. You can start off friendly by following some tips for getting along with difficult neighbors in an attempt to solve the problem amicably. If the nice approach fails, there is legal recourse you can take and organizations that may be able to help. 

For the same reason that you cannot paint your side of a neighbor's fence, handling their personal property can get you in some legal trouble, even if it's on your land. This is because, in the event that the items are damaged, you could be held responsible. The neighbor may threaten to sue you for damage to their property if you move it without legal permission to do so. Taking someone else's belongings could even be considered theft, so keep this in mind before you take matters into your own hands.

The good news is that, just because you cannot physically move the items on your own, you are not helpless. If you or the neighbor is a tenant, consider getting the landlord involved for help. Alternatively, involve your local Homeowners Association (HOA), which is designed to enforce the community's rules and maintain order.

If your neighbor refuses to move the items on the grounds that it is technically still on their property, you may have to hire a surveyor to identify the property line. A copy of the survey should resolve any issues related to property boundaries. In extreme cases, you may even need to hire an attorney as a last resort, who will file a lawsuit on your behalf and take the matter to court. In the future, consider building a fence around your property to make your lawn less susceptible to unwanted junk. Remember to install a fence that makes both you and your neighbor happy to avoid issues down the line.