How do you approach a neighbor..

[Justin B.]

I purcahesd a duplex last fall and we noticed the neighbor has a large amount of dirt leaning up against the back of our garage which is starting to rot the wood of the garage. 

I talked to him previously about its effects and he wanted me to move the dirt or pay for it. I dont feel I should have to pay for this and I want him to remediate the situation.

What's the best way going about this to have him get this done?

[Bryan O.]

@Justin B. is the back of your garage directly on the property line? I have not seen that with all of the set-backs that seem to be required everywhere (maybe it's a local thing here). How much dirt are you talking about? Is this tons or a few wheelbarrows? I don't have enough information to say what I would do. If the garage is the property line I would consider moving the pile 10 feet further into his property. There may also be a way to claim the damage against him/his insurance. When a neighbor's tree branch gets large and falls on your home it is their problem. I would assume similar when they place other objects that cause destruction. Worth looking into.

The big question for me is, how much dirt? If it's nothing, just go protect your investment and move it.