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I had a neighbor who started making small comments/requests about a month after she moved in--issues similar to OP's. Initially I'd make the change just to keep the peace but quickly realized that she WAS the entitled type and like to tell people what they HAD to do, needed to fix, were doing wrong. Meanwhile her yard looks like a trash heap. My advice would be to nicely suggest she get blinds are not look at the light. If you give in to unwarranted requests you can create a monster.
I am a bit surprised by all the comments that suggest the OP is responsible for this neighbor's demand that OP stop using side lights on their home.
I think in a civil court the fact that the cranky neighbor has done nothing to mitigate the lights coming into her own home, such as drapes or shades would definitely be in the OP's favor.
It is our responsibility to mitigate circumstances. Any compromise between these neighbors should start with the complaining neighbor utilizing common sense, starting with normal window coverings.
I am a bit surprised by all the comments that suggest the OP is responsible for this neighbor's demand that OP stop using side lights on their home.
I think in a civil court the fact that the cranky neighbor has done nothing to mitigate the lights coming into her own home, such as drapes or shades would definitely be in the OP's favor.
I can see why you would think that, but that's not the way most municipalities' nuisance laws are written.
If it ever got that far, this could fall under a private nuisance, which is the loss of the use or enjoyment of property without an actual physical invasion of that property. The nuisance also has to be "substantial and continuous." Not sure that applies here.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JanND
It is our responsibility to mitigate circumstances.
Sure, it is the OP's ethical responsibility. It's not necessarily the neighbor's LEGAL responsibility.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JanND
Any compromise between these neighbors should start with the complaining neighbor utilizing common sense, starting with normal window coverings.
As you can see from this thread, not all people believe window coverings are "normal."
But a compromise is definitely needed, and most judges would try to arrange a compromise between the two. "You, tone down the light. You, put up some shades."
I am a bit surprised by all the comments that suggest the OP is responsible for this neighbor's demand that OP stop using side lights on their home.
I think in a civil court the fact that the cranky neighbor has done nothing to mitigate the lights coming into her own home, such as drapes or shades would definitely be in the OP's favor.
It is our responsibility to mitigate circumstances. Any compromise between these neighbors should start with the complaining neighbor utilizing common sense, starting with normal window coverings.
Why should the neighbor have to go out and spend money because of a problem the OP is causing? I don't know how many windows the OP's light is effecting, but it would not be a cheap fix if the neighbor has to buy thick black out curtains for multiple windows. The better solution would be for the OP to redirect their light so its not shinning into their neighbor's house. Or better yet, turn off the light.
Why should the neighbor have to go out and spend money because of a problem the OP is causing? I don't know how many windows the OP's light is effecting, but it would not be a cheap fix if the neighbor has to buy thick black out curtains for multiple windows. The better solution would be for the OP to redirect their light so its not shinning into their neighbor's house. Or better yet, turn off the light.
OMG enough with the hyperbole...it's ONE soft non-floodlight. IIRC, 40W. You and other are assuming something drastically different. Both the OP and their neighbor might be wound a little too tight, but this is a tempest in a teacup.
And what does a light do to affect a window? If you can merely see a light from a window...??
OMG enough with the hyperbole...it's ONE soft non-floodlight. IIRC, 40W. You and other are assuming something drastically different. Both the OP and their neighbor might be wound a little too tight, but this is a tempest in a teacup.
And what does a light do to affect a window? If you can merely see a light from a window...??
What hyperbole? The neighbor’s complaint is that the OP’s light is shinning into her windows. Just because it’s not a floodlight, doesn’t mean it can’t be annoying to have light shinning directly into your house in the middle of night when everything else is dark.
Why is it such a problem for OP to redirect the light so it’s not shinning into the neighbors house, or to even turn off the light when it’s not being used?
Well, any light you could see from your window would technically be shining into your window. Being free of visible lighting is just not a realistic expectation in almost any kind of neighborhood where homes are relatively close.
The OP states he/she is already using the lowest watt, non-directional soft light.
Now I suppose it could be the case that the light and the neighbor's window are so uniquely positioned in relation to each other that such a small light could hurt her neighbor's eyes (as stated), but I guess we'll never know.
In any event I dare anyone to use a light meter and measure the intensity of such a small light at a reasonable distance...it falls off very quickly, inverse square law and all that.
But again...when the starting point is a soft, low watt light we've already greatly reduced the likelihood of this situation rising to the level of a nuisance. The hyperbole comes in with suggestions that this light is more intense, directional, bigger, or harsher than the OP has ever described...that it's an open and vile nuisance...that the neighbor is massively grieved...etc.
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