A long vent about our neighbour

[mummy2sophie]

I don't know if this thread should belong here but anyway...

Just wanted to vent about the guy that lives downstairs from us - Steve. We rent the top part of the house and he rents the bottom, we only share the gardens and the pool. About 18 months ago he got a roomie who is lovely lovely lovely but we had to keep it a secret from the land lord (I felt uncomfortable about this as she is AWESOME). But he keeps the huge garden in order and so DH doesn't have to do it

About a month ago Steve's girlfriend was living here which isn't a problem, except...she's a drunk and an ex addict (who still does softer drugs I know). Again this wouldn't be too much of a problem but she is violent when she is drunk. They fought all the time and he confessed that it was sometimes physical.

At this stage we said we don't want her living here any more. He had the police come and remove her once but she kept coming back so he told us to call the police whenever we saw her. Then he started HIDING her in his place. And his roomie said she was still there so DH confronted steve and called the police. After 2 hours of waiting for the police (poor DH was exhausted, it was a weeknight and he works so hard). She decided to go on her own. THEN about a week later she was back - again he HID her from us and again we found out she was there from the roomie (who doesn't speak much English and is afraid Steve will kick him out). So this time, we called our landlord and told her about her and she told steve to get an avo on the girl or he will be evicted (see?? I love this woman!). And he had her out of the place in 10 mins. This was AFTER DH told Steve that she couldn't live here because I was literally afraid of her and being 7 months pregnant I'm not up to confronting anybody, especially a violent drunk. Isn't it funny how when it effected me and DH he wouldn't get rid of her but when threatened with eviction she is gone.

So now he's moping around all pi$$ed off with us when really we had no choice - we just wanted to be rid of her and we felt we'd given him plenty of time to get rid of her himself.

Anyway, now he's quibbling over the electricity bill. Since his roomie has been living there he offered to pay half the bill but when this one arrived (a whopping $966!!!!) suddenly he thought it was unfair. The bill's been paid, it's in my name so we had to, and steve's roomie has paid his quarter. But steve moaned about how I've been using the tumble drier (like seriously less than a dozen times!!) and how we leave the light on the front sometimes.

But when I compare the bill to the same time last year (nearly double) all I can think is that we are probably using the same amount of energy, if not less. We installed energy efficient bulbs, we bought a new fridge that consumes WAY less energy than our old one. And yes we bought a dishwasher but again it's hugely energy efficient and we use it every second day. He on the other hand has had up to 4 adults living down there at a time, has column heaters (which suck up energy compared to our efficient split air system) and bought a new plasma tv (which apparently uses 3 times more energy then a regular tv like ours). Which, by the way the violent biatch from hell had running ALL DAY when she was living here.

He uses our washing machine (we have to share) and our bbq (which is looking very worse for wear) and our outdoor furniture, with chairs that are either broken (again not by us, we hardly ever use them) or missing! I am absolutely FUMING about all this but don't want to confront him as he still hasn't paid his part of the bill and we really need the money. We also want him evicted but want the other guy to stay as he is such a sweetie.

Are we being reasonable??

Thank you for letting me vent, I don't really need advice or anything, just wanted to get it off my chest and see if anyone else has been in a situation like this. Luckily we are moving mid-jan...I think we will tell the landlord about all of this (INCLUDING the fact he grew marijuana in the back yard, tried to hide it from us and then removed it only because I said I would water it with salt water until it died if he didn't) when we move.....ARRRRGGGHHH!! Just so pi$$ed off with people who you are generous with and yet they decide to nitpick over stuff and get all narky.

[erinp]

I don't really have any advice for you but just wanted to sympathise We have annoying neighbours and it can be so stressful.

[mummy2sophie]

Thanks...it is a stress.

Especially as I just want to yell at him and get it all out of my system but can't, well not until we get the money. because he might decide not to pay and skip town instead (which mightn't be a bad thing actually).

It's all very awkward...I hate avoiding people.

[missie_mack]

If it is a long term split house situation that the landlord plans to have constantly really a seperate electricity/water meter should be installed. Infact Im sure legally if they cannot identify where the consumption is coming from the landlord should have the account in their name and bare legal responsibility- as they can claim the money through bond etc.

As for the rest. Its a bit difficult to say really. I can see both sides of the story. If I were him I would not like my neighbours telling me who I can and cannot have in my place BUT at the same time I do not think it is acceptable for you to feel threatened or at risk due to her presence.