Having decent neighbours is entirely down to chance. While some prove to be thoughtful community members, others can become an absolute nightmare. Regrettably, for one homeowner, their next-door neighbour belongs firmly in the second camp. They were left seething after discovering their neighbour had been positioning sandbags outside during wet spells.
To the dismay of surrounding residents, these bags were being used to channel water towards other people’s properties. Turning to Reddit to elaborate on the predicament, the irate local explained: “Neighbour puts sandbag on the sidewalk to direct more rainwater on my property. It’s really annoying because it increases the amount of water running down the side of the house and makes the ground erode much faster than it should.”
They included an image of the troublesome sandbag, which had been positioned outside during damp conditions.
The photograph has subsequently attracted numerous responses on the social media platform – with users equally irritated by the circumstances.
One contributor remarked: “There’s a very good chance that intentionally directing water runoff onto a neighbouring property is a code violation.”
Another concurred, stating: “I’m my town that is against the law. You aren’t allowed to change your grading or direct water to run onto other properties.”
Whilst a third noted: “Start billing them for the damage to your property. Where I live it is illegal to redirect water onto someone else’s property.”
Meanwhile, others offered the resident advice on how to handle the situation. One suggested a straightforward approach, stating: “Go ask him what he’s trying to do. Just discuss it with him.”
However, some advised the Redditor to take action without seeking permission first. One insisted: “Just move it, it’s only one.”
Another concurred: “Put it on their driveway.”
Another respondent had a different suggestion – as they were able to empathise with the neighbour’s perspective in the dispute.
They suggested: “Put your own sandbags up to protect your property. Check with your local fire department or city works department or maybe the police department, some have sandbags for residents.
“Keeping water away from homes and pathways help keep first responders safe, so that’s one reason they may have them.”