WIBTA if I refused to give up a water fountain the previous homeowners abandoned 4 years ago?

Image credit: Pixabay (This is example image – Not the actual photo)

AITA for Refusing to Return a Water Fountain After Four Years?

After purchasing a poorly constructed home in 2021, the new owners found themselves entangled in a dispute over a water fountain left behind by the previous owners. Despite multiple opportunities for the former owners to reclaim it, they never did, leading the current homeowners to incorporate it into their long-awaited garden plans. When the previous owner suddenly demands the fountain back for a sentimental anniversary, tensions rise as the new owners question the fairness of the request. This story resonates with many who have faced the challenges of homeownership, especially during a time when housing markets and personal circumstances can complicate even the simplest of possessions.

Family Drama Over an Abandoned Water Fountain

In September 2021, a couple purchased a home built in 2019 and moved in immediately. The previous owners (PO) left behind several items, including a water fountain. Here’s a summary of the situation that has led to ongoing family drama and conflict resolution challenges:

Initial Agreement: Within the first month of moving in, the PO requested to collect the fountain. The couple agreed, but the PO never returned to pick it up.
Time Passed: Fast forward to March-April 2025, the fountain has remained in the front yard for four years. The couple has been busy organizing and designing their front garden, intending to incorporate the fountain into their plans.
Gardening Challenges: The avid gardener faced multiple delays in starting the garden:
- Settling into the new home during the first year.
- Learning about seasonal gardening, as they moved from Florida where seasons are less pronounced.
- Addressing significant construction issues with the house, including repairing a poorly built wall in the garden area.
Health Setback: Just as they planned to repair and paint the fountain, the gardener contracted COVID-19, further delaying their plans.
PO’s Request: Recently, the PO contacted the couple’s husband, stating he wanted the fountain back as it was a gift for his wife on their 35th anniversary. He insisted he would come to collect it that weekend.
Couple’s Response: The couple decided they were no longer willing to part with the fountain, arguing that it had been on their property for four years and was considered abandoned. They felt that the PO had ample time to retrieve it.
Legal Considerations: The couple believes that since the fountain was left for an extended period, they have a valid claim to keep it. They argue that they are not a storage unit and that the PO’s lack of action over the years indicates a lack of care for the item.
House Issues: The couple also faces significant issues with the house itself, which was poorly constructed by the PO. Problems include:
- Missing roof edge pieces.
- Uneven subfloor causing gaps in the flooring.
- Improperly installed siding.
- Multiple colors and textures of caulk in the kitchen backsplash.
- Structural issues with studs not being properly aligned.
Current Situation: The couple feels trapped in their home due to the low interest rates at the time of purchase and the extensive repairs needed. They express a desire to move but feel it is not feasible.

In light of these circumstances, the couple is left wondering: Are they the assholes for refusing to return the water fountain after four years, especially given the poor condition of the home they purchased?

This is Original story from Reddit

Image credit: Pixabay (This is example image – Not the actual photo)

Story

In September 2021, we purchased a home that was built in 2019. We moved in immediately. The previous owner’s PO left a few things at the home, including a water fountain.

Within the first month, the PO asked if they could collect the fountain. We said that was fine, but they never came. It’s now March-April of 2025, 4 years later, and it has been sitting in the front yard.

Over the last 2 years, I have been organizing, prepping, and designing my front garden where it will be incorporated into my design. I am an avid gardener and decided to redo the garden, but haven’t yet planted anything. It has taken me a while to actually get started for multiple reasons.

The first year we were settling in. The second year I had to learn about the seasons. I’m from Florida; we don’t have seasons, so I had to research native plants, best planting times, amongst other things.

The most important reason was because the house was built poorly, and we had to repair an entire wall that was in the main section of the garden. There is no point for me to plant when we will be doing construction work. After we finished the exterior part of the wall, winter started.

The roof still needs repairs, but I have access to the area now. I planned on power washing, repairing, and painting the water fountain this weekend, but I got COVID and again delayed. I dismantled the fountain and relocated it to various places to be worked on.

Suddenly, the PO messaged my husband stating he wants the water fountain back. It’s his 45th anniversary soon, and it was his wife’s 35th anniversary present. He stated he’ll be by this weekend to get it.

I told my husband to inform the PO that I’m no longer willing to part with it. The PO states it’s not mine to part with, and he’ll be by to pick it up. It has been on our property for 4 years.

It’s considered abandoned property after 30 days. We gave him the chance to pick it up, but he didn’t. We’re not a storage unit. What claim does he have to come get it?

I understand it was an anniversary gift, but clearly, he didn’t care enough to get it in the last 4 years. This house was brand new but terribly built by the PO. Everything that could be wrong is wrong.

The roof is missing edge pieces, the subfloor is uneven, causing the entire floor to be uneven with gaps in all the wood. The entire house needs new siding because they installed the Hardy Board incorrectly, and now it’s falling off.

There are 4 different colors and textures of caulk used in the backsplash of the kitchen, screws popping out of every single wall in the house, and the studs aren’t 16 on center. The list goes on and on. We literally have to rebuild the house from the bottom up.

Before you ask, yes, we had an inspector, but no, he didn’t catch these things. We’re also trapped in the house because we bought during the VID times, and the interest rates were very low. So, moving isn’t an option. Trust me, we would if we could.

So, AITA for not giving up the water fountain 4 years after he sold us a terribly built home?

View the Original Reddit Post Here

Summary of Reddit Comments

The top Reddit comments indicate a strong consensus that the fountain in question is legally the property of the current owners due to the significant time elapsed since the previous owner abandoned it. Users emphasize the importance of documenting the situation, including having security measures in place and communicating clearly with the former owner about the legal status of the fountain. Overall, the majority opinion supports the current owners’ right to keep the fountain without any obligation to return it.

Verdict: NTA

Expert Advice for Resolving the Conflict

In situations like this, where emotions and legalities intertwine, it’s essential to approach the conflict with empathy and a focus on resolution. Here are practical steps for both the couple and the previous owner (PO) to consider:

For the Current Owners

Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all communications with the PO regarding the fountain. This includes dates, times, and the content of conversations or messages.
Assess Legal Rights: While many believe the fountain is legally theirs due to abandonment, consulting with a real estate attorney can provide clarity on their rights and any potential risks involved in keeping the fountain.
Communicate Openly: Reach out to the PO to discuss the situation. Express understanding of their sentimental attachment to the fountain while explaining the couple’s perspective on its abandonment.
Consider Compromise: If the PO is insistent, consider negotiating a compromise. This could involve offering to sell the fountain back at a reasonable price or finding a way to facilitate its return that respects both parties’ feelings.
Focus on the Bigger Picture: Given the ongoing issues with the house, prioritize resolving those matters. This may help alleviate stress and provide a clearer mindset for dealing with the fountain situation.

For the Previous Owner

Reflect on the Situation: Understand that the couple has had the fountain for four years and may view it as part of their home. Acknowledge the time that has passed since the initial agreement.
Communicate Clearly: When reaching out to the couple, express your feelings about the fountain and why it holds sentimental value. This can help foster empathy and understanding.
Be Open to Negotiation: Consider the couple’s perspective and be willing to discuss options. This could include offering to compensate them for the fountain or finding a mutually agreeable solution.
Seek Legal Advice: If the situation escalates, it may be wise to consult with a legal professional to understand your rights and options regarding the fountain.
Focus on Resolution: Aim for a resolution that respects both parties’ feelings and rights. This can help avoid further conflict and maintain a positive relationship moving forward.

Ultimately, approaching the situation with empathy, clear communication, and a willingness to find common ground can lead to a resolution that satisfies both parties. Conflict resolution is often about understanding and compromise, and taking these steps can help foster a more amicable outcome.