Wednesday05 February 2025
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The case of the cesspool and aspen fluff: What unusual disputes lead Russians to court.

In Rostov, neighbors are in a legal dispute over noisy children and dogs that trample the flowerbeds.
Судебные разбирательства россиян: от выгребной ямы до осинового пуха — какие странные конфликты доходят до суда?

Courts in the Rostov region are dealing with a wide array of cases.

Photo: Maria GICHENKO. Go to the KP Photo Bank

Unfortunately, the relationships among residents in private sectors are not always friendly. People in Rostov argue over various issues. The most unusual disputes were shared by lawyer Yulia Burdina with "KP-Rostov-on-Don".

PLOT WITH A STENCH

A couple from Rostov fulfilled a long-held dream and bought a house. However, they couldn't enjoy the fresh air because the land turned out to have a "stench".

- After the owner passed away, the plot was divided among the heirs into two parts. One of them sold their half to the couple, - the interviewee explained.

Along with the land, the newcomers inherited a sewage pit that was overflowing and foul-smelling. Moreover, it continued to be used by a neighbor— a relative of the deceased living on the other half of the plot. She claimed it had been this way "historically" during the life of the previous owner.

The couple wanted to fill the source of the odors with dirt and set up a new one. However, the elderly lady was completely against it. Consequently, the Rostov residents turned to the court in hopes of getting rid of the stinking pit and prohibiting the pensioner from using it.

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Any septic tank needs to be maintained properly. Photo: ELENA POPOVA

The court appointed an examination, which revealed that the pit was in unacceptable condition. Its walls underground were deteriorating, the contents were seeping into the soil, soaking the foundation of the house... The expert concluded that the cesspool needed to be rebuilt or "relocated".

The judge's verdict was to bring the septic tank into order and use it together—following the established "tradition". However, the pensioner cited her low income and refused to "chip in" for repairs. Ultimately, the couple installed a new septic tank, separate from the neighbor's. But over time, she herself realized that it was time to part ways with the old pit.

UNSUCCESSFUL DACHSHUND

Another Rostov resident purchased a plot in a gardening association in the Railway District. The purchase turned out to be remarkably unfortunate!

The plot was "sandwiched" between neighboring properties and a ravine with a stream. A narrow path led from the main road to it. The Rostov resident planned to build a house and needed a way to transport bricks, slate, and concrete...

- There was only one solution— to establish a servitude. This refers to a limited right to use someone else's land. The man approached his neighbor and requested permission to bring construction materials through her property, especially since she rarely visited her dacha.

In return, the Rostov resident offered part of his land or financial compensation, but... The lady took a stand— claiming that what if the construction machinery damaged her walnut tree or shed? According to the lawyer's observation, it was not about them. The new neighbor simply displeased the woman for some reason.

The neighbor did not agree to a peaceful resolution— they had to go to court. The Rostov resident was unlucky again. The expert reviewed the public cadastral map and concluded that the man could access his plot from the ravine. However, its depth was eight meters— impossible to drive or walk through...

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Some land plots are located deep within other properties.

Photo: Ivan Makeev. Go to the KP Photo Bank

TREE OF DISCORD

In Bataysk, a war erupted between neighbors over... a tree! A local resident planted an aspen at her mother's request. Over the years, it grew into a sprawling tree nearly 15 meters tall.

Problems began when new owners bought the neighboring house. The owner complained that the branches were bothering her and that she was allergic to the fluff. Upon meeting, instead of saying "hello," she hissed at her neighbor: "remove the tree." The latter objected: the aspen was planted according to rules— three meters from the fence.

Returning from another business trip, the Bataysk resident found a pile of cut branches on her property and a "balding" aspen. It turned out that the tree-hating neighbor had asked her husband to trim the neighboring tree. Since he entered the yard illegally, the homeowner called the police. Later, she found a threatening note in her mailbox: "Don't want to resolve this amicably? Then it will go to court."

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A tree can even become the subject of a legal dispute.

Photo: Ivan MAKEEV. Go to the KP Photo Bank

In deciding the fate of the aspen, the judge deemed it sufficient to trim its crown, but not to cut it down completely.

- Conflicts between neighbors arise due to dogs trampling flower beds in someone else's yard, - states the specialist. - And even due to noisy children. However, most disputes concern the establishment of property boundaries and their division among owners. Still, it is better to resolve any of these issues before going to court to save money, time, and nerves.

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