Water Dripping from Neighbours Watering Plants

BargainCowboy on 13/01/2021 - 16:43

Hi all, I live on the ground floor of a unit block with a large ground balcony. A few months ago new neighbours moved into the unit above me and they keep watering their pot plants which are situated at the edge of their balcony. They started off using ridiculously large quantities of water which would come down splashing on my balcony, making an utter mess. I politely asked them to refrain from doing so, or alternatively moving their pot plants or using towels. They agreed and I thought the problem is solved. Then after 2-3 weeks it started again, with increasing quantities of water. I again politely asked them to refrain, and it stopped again.

Now it's back for a third time and although with smaller quantities, it still makes a mess on my balcony. I don't mind them doing it while it's raining, but then they probably don't want to water their plants anyway.

I feel like not only it's making a mess, and gets my stuff wet, but it's also a hazard since I almost slipped a few times, not knowing there's water on the floor.

Any ideas? An I being a difficult neighbour? Is my request unreasonable? If not, then what should I do next? Ask again? Pursue via REA?

MS paint diagram to follow.

Poll Options

  • 67
    You're being reasonable
  • 11
    You're being unreasonable
Home & Garden

Comments

  • neil on 13/01/2021 - 16:51
    +4

    There should be something in the OC rules which covers this situation. Being on my OC committee we have had similar issues with plants (plants moved) and A/C units leaking (condenser installed) below.

    Complain to OC company that manages building, who will then pass on the breach of rules to owner.

  • tsunamisurfer on 13/01/2021 - 16:53

    OP : I'd like to complain about my neighbour.

    REA : Oh, what seems to be the issue.

    OP : They water their plants.

    REA : Click

    • wallet72 on 13/01/2021 - 16:58
      +13

      more like…

      'they are damaging my balcony by letting water run from their unit'

      It doesn't matter how, what or why they are doing it.

      • Blue Cat on 13/01/2021 - 17:50
        +1

        High IQ play.

        You gotta make it sound like it is damaging the property, otherwise the REA won't even think about your issue for a millisecond.

        • loropy9 on 13/01/2021 - 20:35

          Yes, maybe mention that regularly keeping the balcony moist may cause concrete cancer and also it may cause the tiles to come off.

      • SlartiBartFozz on 14/01/2021 - 22:59

        The damage to your ground level (balcony?) depends on it's structure — if concrete with e.g. tiles, it will most likely have no lasting effect, however if timber the structure will be compromised with rot over time.
        The safety of the surface is the real issue, contaminated water from the plants will create a slippery mess that can cause slime and mould. That's a potential liability for the REA. You are also suffering a loss of amenity, as you can't use the space as expected due to the dripping water and the safety risk. You should document the effect on this basis.

  • BOGOF on 13/01/2021 - 16:56
    +1

    Cue comment from pharkurnell

  • whooah1979 on 13/01/2021 - 17:05
    +1

    First, blame the builder for not designing a proper draining system. Second, move to the top floor to eliminate the problem.

    • rightguy on 13/01/2021 - 17:11

      I once lived in a fairly new apartment building where the drainage on the balcony was at the highest point of the balcony. I was renting and brought it up to the building manager but it was just a few years outside of the warranty period so there was nothing they could do. But it was ridiculous. When we had a massive storm the balcony would flood. It's only a matter of time that serious water damage and leakages happen there. It didn't help that we were on the top floor. Every rain event was a disaster for us.

  • herecomestheoost on 13/01/2021 - 17:13
    +2

    I'm going to need the MS Paint diagram you promised before I can cast my vote.

  • RotundPolarBear on 13/01/2021 - 17:29
    +6

    So many people with apartment issues lately.

    Perhaps suggest they put saucers under their pots to stop the overflow. It should also mean less frequent watering.

  • myusername on 13/01/2021 - 17:41

    save money and move to the top floor

  • FocusRider on 13/01/2021 - 17:46
    +1

    Buy a powerful hose and spray back onto their balcony

    • [Deactivated] on 13/01/2021 - 18:08
      +2

      The would probably welcome the free watering of their plants.

    • BargainCowboy on 13/01/2021 - 18:27
      +2

      Funny, that's actually one idea I had in mind. However, I do not wish to escalate things, so not sure that's the best solution.

      • FocusRider on 13/01/2021 - 18:59
        +1

        Just say you're cleaning your windows.

  • Ocker on 13/01/2021 - 18:32
    +3

    Roundup with an extension arm on the sprayer will solve your problem - it takes about 10-14 to slowly kill the plant(s) and they will be none the wiser.

    • holdenmg on 13/01/2021 - 19:03
      +1

      What goes up must come down…

  • holdenmg on 13/01/2021 - 18:48
    +1

    Look into https://www.disputes.vic.gov.au/about-us/mediation and keep notes of times and date, what was said and promised and agreed to and snap a few photos too…

    When you have your chance to speak use words like "hazard" "quiet enjoyment" and "nuisance"

  • Stewardo on 13/01/2021 - 19:05

    Put your own potted plants where the water drips.

    • BargainCowboy on 13/01/2021 - 19:08

      The water drips down the middle of my balcony…

  • c64 on 13/01/2021 - 19:53
    -2

    buy them a couple of plant saucers or some sort of tray

    • havebeerbelywillsumo on 13/01/2021 - 21:13
      +5

      Suggest they "buy them(selves) a couple of plant saucers or some sort of tray" IMO do NOT buy it yourself as then you have become part of the "problem".

      And you have been a good, considerate and patient neighbour (referencing your poll question).

  • Master Bates on 13/01/2021 - 21:27
    +1

    Definitely water? Sounds like they’re taking a the piss.

    • SlartiBartFozz on 14/01/2021 - 22:51

      I have a friend whose upstairs neighbour would regularly piss onto his potted lemon tree causing a mist over the courtyard below — ultimately it lead to that guy being booted from his lease.

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