Good reason not to trust Mr. Fixit

DEAR AMY: We bought a vacation home in another part of the country. A local couple generously offered to visit the house periodically (they live a mile away) and let us know if anything needs to be fixed. We paid the gentleman for necessary repairs. He's very good at his craft. We gave them permission to hang out at the house to enjoy the view, and at one time we let them have their son stay there with his family overnight. It turns out they have had at least one large party there. They set off lots of fireworks on our property. The man painted our fountain a color of his choice, even though it didn't need painting and we didn't approve the color. Throughout the year, they invited family to stay at our home without asking, and some minor damage was incurred. We asked that they clear it with us if they wanted to have anyone stay there in the future. We like this couple and want to keep them as friends. However, they say that since we don't trust them, they've returned the keys.They haven't responded to a friendly message. What is the appropriate action to take at this point?NM BoundDEAR BOUND: After you change the locks and hire someone to serve as a caretaker, and after you repaint the item you never wanted painted in the first place and repair the damage these people inflicted in your absence, sit down and examine the statement they made to you about trust. You don't trust them because they haven't been trustworthy.

Your neighbors left you wide open to theft, damage and the liability you might face if someone was injured on your property. This is an extreme violation of the agreement you made with them.

Chalk this up to an error in judgment on both your parts.

If they acknowledge their violation, then you might be able to move on. Otherwise, unlike the material damage to your property, the harm to your relationship may be irreparable.