Everyone knows of, or has heard about the grumpy neighbour who doesn’t return your kids’ balls, accidently kicked or thrown over.
In Belgium, one of the smallest countries in Europe (280km long and 145km wide), the issue of a ball landing on a neighbour’s roof or in their garden, and not being returned, has reached Parliament.
From 1 September, anyone who accidentally kicks or throws their ball into a neighbour’s garden will have the legal right to retrieve it, even if they are met with disapproval. The same will apply to pet owners who want to rescue animals who have gone astray.
Professor Vincent Sagaert, who helped write the new property law, said the move was necessary to bring clarity to a complicated legal situation in the country.
“Until 1 September, the neighbour has to return the ball. (But) they can deny you access to their garden to do that,” Sagaert told the Flemish radio channel VRT.
“From 1 September, you have the right to go and get your ball or pet, provided it ended up there by accident. Just kicking the ball over the hedge to look around is not allowed. Of course, you must use your common sense.
“You have to ring the bell of the neighbour and ask first, but if they refuse or are not at home, you can still enter the garden to quickly get it back,” he added. “But only to look for your ball or animal, not to take other things, because that is still just called theft.”
It will also be a legal right to access a neighbour’s garden to set up a ladder when trimming a hedge or cleaning a gutter.
“That right will now be extended to construction work,” said Professor Sagaert. “It is also a temporary right, and the neighbours can also ask for compensation for the nuisance.”
All sounds a bit formal.
Anyone remember this great Cadbury’s ad? There is a right way to do things.
