https://www.reddit.com/r/Advice/comments/1iispkd/my_neighbors_havent_paid_their_plowing_invoices/
created by fauna_or_flora on 06/02/2025 at 03:04 UTC
14 upvotes, 11 top-level comments (showing 11)
For context: I live on private road& have to pay for plowing since the town plow trucks don’t cover our road. I am one of two houses on the road& my neighbors and I have always split the cost. For the last 3 years we have used the same landscaping company (which happens to be owned by my previous neighbors brother).When she moved out, I asked the new neighbors if they wanted to switch up landscaping companies or stick with the one we already had. They were content with keeping our existing company& having invoices split so that we were billed separately.
Fast forward to today: I got a call from the owner of the landscaping company (the brother). He explained that his crew is only going to plow up to our driveway& not plow the remainder of the road that leads up to our neighbors driveway in tomorrows storm because they haven’t paid any of their invoices all winter. I asked him if he wanted me to remind them to pay their bills& he said no, he shouldn’t have shared their lack of payment with me but didn’t know how else to explain the situation. I also asked him if perhaps he had their billing information wrong& he reassured me that they have opened the billing emails& viewed the invoices online, but have not paid any.
I feel like I am in a weird predicament where I don’t know if I should contact my neighbors or just leave it be& let it be their problem? They are a nice young couple (similar in age to my husband & I ) and they have been nothing but great neighbors to us. Am I an ass if I don’t tell them? What should I say if they call or text me when only half of the road is plowed?? We have 2 big storms coming up in the next 3 days totaling 8-15 inches…Our road is long& I don’t think shoveling the remainder of the road is really an option for them.
I would greatly appreciate any insight on how to handle this situation!!
Comment by MontEcola at 06/02/2025 at 03:20 UTC
16 upvotes, 0 direct replies
You will get plowed out. You paid your bill. The rest is not your business. It is best to ignore the situation. They people will either pay the bill or find a way to get their own car out.
I do not know how far the house is, if it is a hill, or how much snow will come. If I lived in that house, it is likely my car could get out and do just fine. If I lived on a long windy hill in a place that got lots of snow, I would be prepared to get out and back without plowing. Good tires and chains, etc.
IMO, if they don't want to pay the bill they should speak to the plow guy and tell them not to plow. Or, they should make arrangements to pay the bill. Maybe delay until the end of winter? Does not mater. It is not my business.
Comment by ProbablyLongComment at 06/02/2025 at 03:17 UTC
10 upvotes, 0 direct replies
The landscaper should have said nothing to you; you should say nothing to them. They're adults, and capable of managing their own obligations. This is a case where "not your business" applies literally.
If anything, it is on the landscaper to remind them before the storm hits. He is correct that their nonpayment should not have been shared with you. Honor his wishes, and do not mention this to your neighbors. They may use this as something to hang over his head, and try to get him to work for free, as recompense for this "infraction."
Comment by NectarineAny4897 at 06/02/2025 at 03:33 UTC
4 upvotes, 1 direct replies
IF they ask you, direct them to the landscaping company. Play dumb.
Problem solved.
Comment by Allimack at 06/02/2025 at 03:15 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
You have a big heart, but this is their private business with the owner of the plowing company. He was right when he told you that he should not have shared their billing delinquency with you! That was unprofessional of him. But I get that he wanted to explain things, because otherwise you'd be confused as to why half the road wasn't plowed and you might be calling him.
Stay out of this. The young couple knows they owe this bill. They may be in over their head financially, but they'd be embarrassed to know you know that. Or maybe they are just disorganized and when they realize the plowing isn't done they'll find the money to pay.
If, after the snowstorm, you see no evidence of them out shoveling, nor any tire tracks, you can message to ask them if they are okay. Who knows, maybe they are both sick. And if they admit to being needy, then you can decide whether to take them a casserole or offer some financial counseling or whatever the situation calls for.
But apart from not seeing them for a couple of days and needing to check on them for that reason, leave this alone.
Comment by auau_gold_scoffs at 06/02/2025 at 03:16 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
you handled your business. they refused to take care of theres. it’s not really your problem if you think it’s going to cause a issue i wouldn’t see how. you can fane ignorance on it say i don’t know why they didn’t do up to yours if they ask. maybe the have vehicles that are 4wd and think they don’t need it.
Comment by tomxp411 at 06/02/2025 at 03:39 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Say nothing. It’s not your business, and as the contractor said, you should not have even been told about their billing.
Comment by SnooWords4839 at 06/02/2025 at 04:54 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Let them learn the hard way. They have been content to not pay for a service, now they will learn to pay their bills, or be stuck.
Comment by GetBakedBaker at 06/02/2025 at 07:38 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Do not get involved, and do not let them know what he said. This would be embarrassing to them for you to find out, and they may know but not be able to afford it right now. Let him deal with your neighbors.
Comment by HoJosNextExit at 06/02/2025 at 09:24 UTC*
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
In casual conversation with your neighbor, say 'boy I love getting plowed, makes me weak in the knees thinking about it!' They'll probably pay to get plowed too after hearing how much you enjoyed it.
Comment by CADreamn at 06/02/2025 at 10:21 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Not your business. You paid, you get plowed. They didn't, so they don't. Has nothing to do with you. Stay out of it.
Comment by RainbowandHoneybee at 06/02/2025 at 12:22 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Just leave it to them. It's not your problem.