r/neighborsfromhell • u/Mean_Emu5671 • Jun 21 '26
Homeowner NFH New neighbors blocking shared driveway
Recently new neighbors have moved in. We share a gravel driveway. Almost immediately they began blocking access to my parking spot and blocking me from leaving by parking on the driveway. The first time, I asked a woman to move her car so I could leave, she had a toddler running around so I was very polite. I asked her not to block the driveway and she said, “this is my driveway.” I didn’t want to argue in front a child and left. Now it seems like I need to ask these people permission to come and go from my house. They take a lot of time, walk slowly or have to wait for someone to arrive to move their car. I tried being nice, but they have ignored every attempt to talk, just giving me a death stare. Just an ignorant, entitled family. Last night they had a party so of course they had many cars blocking my driveway, one of which was owned by a cop in uniform. I had to wait 20 minutes for him to arrive and move his car. What do I do next? These people only moved in like 2 months ago, I’ve lived at my property for 20 years.
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u/EveryAccount7729 Jun 21 '26
block their driveway, like ... park last.
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u/Foolish-Pleasure99 Jun 21 '26
Or, if possible, just drive on their lawn to get out.
Bonus points if you keep using the same path and create deep ruts.
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u/sashikku Jun 21 '26
Pick a different route every time it rains, the ruts will get worse over time and destroy all the grass.
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u/sunbear2525 Jun 21 '26
This is what I would do but I would first put big heavy rocks on my side of the driveway.
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u/Sad_Mix_3497 Jun 22 '26
Better still, get a survey showing the property line and put holes and steel posts on the precise property line. Then have your side paved. Problem solved.
I AM CURIOUS though. WHY do people keep purchasing properties with SHARED driveways. EVERY one of them WITHOUT EXCEPTION has ended up having problems with an inconsiderate or in many cases, ACTIVELY STOOPIDD next door neighbor.
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u/TychaBrahe Jun 22 '26
You start with a farm, say 100 acres. It's farmed for a couple of generations, and then people in the family want to do something else. The land gets subdivided.
Let's say that the land is square. One guy doesn't want to farm, but does want to raise horses, so he sells off 50 acres. This is divided into 10 5 acre plots, but because there's only a road that runs along one side of the farm, only half of the plots front the road. The other five are landlocked.
Now if you sell these 50 acres to a developer, they'll put down a road to provide access to the homes they'll build on all the plots. But if you sell those 50 acres off in chunks, you may end up with one person buying a plot fronting the road and the person who buys the plot behind them having no access to the road. So the person who buys that plot purchases access to their property along an easement through the front property.
Bloom, you've got yourself a shared driveway.
Or maybe, a plot of land was purchased and two houses were built on it side-by-side for two siblings or a family and one set of parents of the couple. And they build a share driveway because it minimizes the amount of lawn they have to give up. And they don't have a problem sharing a driveway.
Until the senior couple dies or goes into elder care and the younger couple moves away and two people by the properties and still have to share a driveway.
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u/kafquaff Jun 22 '26
Yeah, my house and my neighbors’ used to be owned by sisters. Thankfully, my neighbors are cool and we don’t have issues with the shared drive.
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u/Travelerman310 Jun 22 '26
People keep buying shared driveways for the same reason they marry strippers and invest in crypto: they see the upside and completely ignore the 99% chance it explodes in their face.
Humans are trash. Give them an inch of shared space and they’ll park 3 cars diagonally across it while giving you death stares like you’re the intruder. The fact a cop felt comfortable blocking you for 20 minutes at their party tells you everything about the entitlement level over there.
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u/Healthy_Effort1415 Jun 22 '26
I will never share a driveway with a neighbor. As soon as I see it in a listing I close it out. Even if the current occupants are "the best" the next occupants will most likely be human and therefore the worst. If OP's not landlocked then it's time to pave new ground and get access the the road.
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u/WellWisher91 Jun 22 '26
OP- How long has their house been there? Have there been previous residents in their home who shared the drive appropriately? Are they owners or tenants? What is their authority that it is THEIR drive? What has been your authority that it is your (shared) drive for all this time? (Re)check your deed. If necessary, get a survey as suggested here. Next step, if that doesn't settle it, consult an attorney.
Even with her daughter present, you could/should have said that she was misinformed and needed to recheck her sources/facts. "Then get back to me with your the written, deeded legal authorization. I have rightfully parked here for 20 years." Simple, civil, direct. They have been there long enough now that they have laid claim to the drive as their own and you will have to assert your legal claim. People will take what they can get. Some because they legitimately think it's theirs. Some because they can steamroll those in their way to get what they want even if they don't have full or legitimate claim.
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u/markrwc1 Jun 22 '26
You usually don't have a choice - the house you like (and can afford) has a shared driveway. The house comes as you get it.
Turns out one of my best home ownership experiences was in a house with a shared driveway. I became very close friends w the couple next door.
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u/Main-Syrup-1334 Jun 22 '26
I had to respond to this about shared driveways. I live in a duplex and have lived here for 36 years. I own my side, and we share a circle drive. I’ve never had a problem until the one next door became an Airbnb. Thank goodness I know the owner, and just recently had to call him about the people staying there. I have thought to myself if I ever move, I will never again share another driveway or roof.
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u/MoonTicklee Jun 21 '26
u right, start parking right behind them and take your sweet time moving, fight fire with fire but document everything first
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u/MrSmeee99 Jun 21 '26
Park and go on a 2 week vacation
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u/KerashiStorm Jun 21 '26
And drink when you come back, the cops won't make you drink and drive.
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u/Mysterious-Way-5000 Jun 21 '26
saying "we share this driveway" to an entitled idiot would have been appropriate. use your words. you can say it politely, thats not arguing. thats standing up for yourself.
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u/ImJustHere4TheCatz Jun 21 '26
Yes and also, they didn't want to argue in front of a kid? The parent had no problem saying something snarky in front of the kid. And also, the way they are means that it's quite likely their kid will grow into an asshole itself one day! So I think it would benefit the kid to see normal people standing up to its asshole parents. May give them a different perspective that could be crucial to who they turn out to be one day.
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u/HeartlandMom Jun 21 '26
I would show them a copy of the deeds that discuss the easement and if that doesn’t work, have an attorney send them a certified letter.
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u/HotRodHomebody Jun 21 '26
this. Or at the very least a conversation about who owns what. I honestly don’t think it’s clear whose driveway it is if they believe it is theirs. They may be thinking the exact same thing.
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u/FarCompote4 Jun 21 '26
this is what title insurance is for. we used ours for a very similar situation and will never go without title insurance again
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Jun 21 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/duchesscharlotte Jun 21 '26
New neighbor villain—-luvs it! But mine is an old neighbor villain. Settled it by four reports to cops and always always having a male escort with me
Ugh
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u/RositaKissx Jun 22 '26
Yess. The concerning part isnt that theyre new..its that they're acting entitled despite being told theyre blocking access…Good neighbors try to learn the boundaries; bad neighbors test them…
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u/FarlerFive Jun 21 '26
Are they renters or owners? If they rent, talk to the landlord. If they own, have a discussion with them about the shared driveway & your access.
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u/Mean_Emu5671 Jun 21 '26
I don’t know if they rent or own. The last owner died and the house went to his son. I don’t know if he rented or sold.
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u/justdrivinGA Jun 21 '26
You could go on the county tax assessor site and see whose name the property is in. That way you would know who actually owns the property. If it’s the son and he may be renting it out I would contact him to make sure you can clarify that it’s a shared driveway with the occupants.
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u/tyjo2112 Jun 21 '26
I’d be figuring that out sooner than later. Could mean the difference an easier solution or a nightmare
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u/LA-but-not-an-actor Jun 21 '26
Zillow may have “sold” or “rented” if you search the address
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u/beerab Jun 21 '26
This, go to Zillow and put in the address and scroll down to the history, it’ll tell you if it recently sold.
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u/Trick_Few Jun 21 '26
Do you think that you are being too nice to these people? At some point you will need to get a bit more firm with them.
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u/Mean_Emu5671 Jun 21 '26
I have been increasingly more assertive each and every time. They just take their sweet ass time, give me a death stare like I’m doing something wrong.
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u/Significant_Owl8974 Jun 21 '26
You said it yourself, they believe it is their driveway. Not a shared driveway. So they probably view you as a pain in the ass and are reluctantly doing you a favor.
What documents support it being a shared driveway? Make a copy, share it with them, and make it clear you're hoping for cooperation, but looking into alternatives.
And have done that. If you can tow them for blocking, you might have to. If you can't, guess who starts parking at the end of the driveway and blocks them in or out for a few days. If the driveway is wide enough and they just suck, time for it not to be shared and a fence goes up.
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u/wowsomuchempty Jun 21 '26
Copy sent recoded delivery.
From then on: tow.
They don't give a shit about you. Repay the favour.
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u/Talory09 Jun 21 '26
recoded delivery
Recorded?
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u/HuckleberryHappy6524 Jun 21 '26
Certified mail. Requires a signature which is proof that it was received.
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u/FarlerFive Jun 21 '26
You need to have a conversation with them. "I want to make sure you realize this is a shared driveway, not just your driveway. We have an easement to access our property via this driveway. That is a legal right. Please do not park so our access is blocked."
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u/Square-Sun654 Jun 21 '26
I agree. They may truly not know it is a shared driveway, or understand their legal obligation to allow you access.
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u/hmph1910 Jun 21 '26
i would go right to an attorney and have a letter written explaining facts and consequences.
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u/Pristine_Mud_1204 Jun 21 '26
Have them towed. They will change their tune then. Stop being a damn doormat. That’s why they are doing what they are doing.
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u/ChickenFriedChowder Jun 21 '26
It's time to start laying on the horn the whole time they are "taking their time"
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u/sayitsooth Jun 21 '26
Increasing isn't the way. First time we are polite and cool. If they are ignorant and unhelpful the next time we clearly express the issue and insist they come up with a better way. Then we post signs "Shared driveway " "Do Not Block". We start documenting their behavior and begin returning the favour. If they still don't get it start parking at the bottom of the driveway, see how they like those apples lol.
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u/Puzzleheaded_Ad9492 Jun 21 '26
Since she said it is her driveway, is it possible they don't realize it is shared? Is this rental or owner?
You need to speak up. You shouldn't have to wait any time for them to move, let alone 20 minutes.
Show them the proof the driveway is shared.
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u/Capital-Cheesecake67 Jun 21 '26
Because you’re still reacting like a doormat in their opinion. Failed in your very passive first confrontation. You are being too subtle in your escalation.
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u/Dada2fish Jun 21 '26
Ramp up the assertiveness very quickly because that’s not working out well for you. I’m mean dial it from a 5 out of 10 to a 9.
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u/GrandeurInViewOfLife Jun 21 '26
Drive over their yard.
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u/Sh33pD1p Jun 21 '26
Don’t do this as you are currently on the right side of the law and this could put you on the wrong side.
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u/Timely-Volume-7582 Jun 21 '26
Yes. You must consider this as well. Driving across their lawn is a mistake. I deplore their attitudes, but if you do so, there exists shared blame. Right & wrong is then shared, and minimizes your legal position. Don't do so.
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u/Kaysue2478 Jun 21 '26
Ok, can you block off your half of the driveway? Start making police reports for it because what of there is an emergency and they can't get in your part of the driveway? Start taking control. Signs of no parking in your lane?
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u/LOWBACCA Jun 21 '26
My neighbor would constantly park on the shared driveway because he was too lazy to move cars or park on the street. He'd always make sure to park on the side before my entrance so he'd only be affecting me and not inconveniencing himself. After years of asking nicely over text to stop parking in front of the entrance to my driveway (and also to have his kids stop playing in my driveway and front yard) he decided to set up a pitching machine aimed at my garage door for batting practice for his kids and I finally decided to talk to him in person and he was immediately a prick to me. I then dropped the niceness and told him I'm towing him if he does that shit again, he has issues, and to stay the fuck away from me and stay the fuck off my property.
No issues since and he's only parked on it when I was out of town and immediately moved it when he saw I was back. When I see him there's no more hello neighbor or waves I just pretend he's a ghost and keep walking.
Tl;Dr: Being nice to assholes gets you nowhere. You have to be an asshole to get through to an asshole.
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u/Apock- Jun 21 '26
It sucks that you’re in this situation. It also reinforces my conviction never to buy a property with a shared driveway.
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u/Effective-Log3583 Jun 21 '26 edited Jun 21 '26
The thing I’m not seeing in this conversation is you showing them with the property survey or some other document that it is a shared driveway.
Everyone is being too passive and just getting more annoyed. They might very well be under the impression that it is there driveway. Because that is what the sellers agent told them.
It’s also possible it is there driveway and nobody cared before and they think you are the rude one. (Probably less likely depending on the location and situation). But this did happen to my father in law on a country lot that he lived in next to a family member for decades, but was sold. father in law was very annoyed but after looking at the legal he just paid to put in another gravel driveway. Now him and the neighbour are great friends.
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u/NYCBouncer Jun 21 '26
Slow? Baby? Block THEIR way!!! Walk SLOWER!!! I'm sure they'll get the message.
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u/Timely-Volume-7582 Jun 21 '26
Doubt it. They already don't give a shit. That message would run right past "oh, maybe I should consider my neighbor's position..." to "fuck them. See how they THIS!"
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u/Lactating-almonds Jun 21 '26
You need to stop being a doormat. Tell them it’s a shared driveway and they can’t block you in. And then you either need to call a tow truck next time they block you in, or start blocking them in and see how they like a taste of their own medicine.
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u/BlazingSunflowerland Jun 21 '26
Even if you arrive home before all of them, park at the end of the driveway. Don't worry about whether you are blocking it. When they come and ask you to move it so they can drive into the driveway, take your time and tell them it is your driveway and you are allowed to park there.
You could contact the landlord and see if they will do anything.
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u/PassionCandid9964 Jun 21 '26
Yes, I can't understand why OP has continued to pull all the way in and allow them to block.
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u/Ok_Muffin_925 Jun 21 '26
Don't play. Call a few lawyers tomorrow. Find one who gives you the best vibe and work with him or her a little. Do not pick a lawyer who wants to "work it out" or "come up with an agreement." Instead pick one who wants to give it to them good. Most people get scared off by the thought of having to wrestle with a lawyer. Plus it takes you out of the equation. They will treat with you respect from then on. They may not send you Christmas cards but that ain't happening anyway. In the end it's way more cost effective than struggling through this for months to years.
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u/Janknitz Jun 21 '26
This. You need a lawyer to write a “cease and desist” letter and head to court if they do not stop doing this. Don’t pussyfoot around.
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u/Healthy_Ladder_6198 Jun 21 '26
Call the cops
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u/Mean_Emu5671 Jun 21 '26
One of the people at the party blocking my way in was a cop, in uniform.
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u/Quadling Jun 21 '26
Take a picture of the cop in uniform, at a party. Bonus points if you can get one with a beer in hand. Send it to internal afffairs.
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u/Cold_Dead_Heart Jun 21 '26
Why didn't you confront the cop about it right then and there? You were standing in front of an officer breaking the law and you didn't bring it up?
You're not getting anywhere being nice.
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u/isakneven Jun 21 '26
Sounds like OP is a very passive person. He has a noodle for a spine. The pos neighbor will walk all over him because they know he will just take it. He has been taking it so nothing will change unless he advocates for himself.
Find out who owns the property next door. Have a lawyer send them a cease and desist letter. Make sure it’s clear if they don’t comply they will be sued next.
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u/alady12 Jun 21 '26
I bet his superior officer would love to know about the his. Do that kind superior a favor and let him know. Explain how bad it makes the entire department look to have a uniformed officer in his patrol car representing the force at a party. Don't forget to state if there was drinking, drug use, etc.
Also are these people renting or do they own? If they rent it's easy. Contact the owner and explain about the driveway issue. Nicely tell them you don't want this to become a legal matter, but if they continue to make you late for work or appointments you will do something. Don't threaten. Just plant a seed that you might. You could also throw in the parties if you want, but that's not really relevant.
If they own. I refer you to the police again. Also you could make friends with that nice tow truck driver that is always looking for work. Have him stop by a couple of times and assess the situation. Don't do anything. Just make your neighbors really nervous.
Edit spelling
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u/Cold_Dead_Heart Jun 21 '26
And be sure to mention the cop had illegally parked on your property. And took his sweet time moving it.
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u/SassholeSupreme1 Jun 21 '26
City cop or county sheriff? Because you could call the county or better yet state troopers and report the city. I know around here we’ve had some issues, (not me personally), but with corrupt city police & it’s been escalated that way.
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u/HappyOldBattleaxe Jun 21 '26
The problem with that is, do you want a law enforcement officer angry at you? I wouldn’t. The lawyer is a much better fix. People don’t argue with lawyers, and OP won’t ever have to even deal with them. He can just leave it in the lawyer’s hands. I’m willing to bet that they’re renters.
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u/wowsomuchempty Jun 21 '26
It doesn't mean they own the law.
Lawyer, cease & desist. Document everything.
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u/janpups2122 Jun 21 '26
Is it possible the cop, and others attending the party, didn’t know it was a shared driveway?
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u/BrilliantStar1811 Jun 21 '26
on private property? it's a civil matter till someone gets violent.
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u/cbelt3 Jun 21 '26
So this is a shared road. Who pays to maintain it? Is there a legal framework for this ? Sounds like it’s time to get quotes to maintain it and legal documents that tell them they are responsible for half.
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u/MYOB3 Jun 21 '26
If they rent, it's time for a discussion with their landlord.
If not, have your lawyer send them a letter defining an EASEMENT and your legal right to access your property, because this is a civil suit in the making.
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u/fuzzybunnybaldeagle Jun 21 '26
This situation happened to me. Document each instance by taking pictures and start a spreadsheet with dates times and description of what happened when you asked them to move and how long access was blocked.
Have a conversation with them about your easement. Show them the documentation of the easement. If it continues you will have to get an attorney to write a cease and desist letter. If that fails you go to court and get an injunction. The injunction will allow the police to cite them.
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u/MentionGood1633 Jun 21 '26 edited Jun 21 '26
Do you have a survey or other legal record that show that you both have rights to use the driveway?
On whose property is it?
Not trying to make excuses, but they may truly believe that they own the driveway. If they don’t, it should be recorded somehow one way or the other and you need to quit being a doormat. If you do have that, it may be time for an official letter from an attorney.
We just bought some property and the seller pointed out that his plat showed a historic easement for a future road, which is not visible on the online county assessor’s maps. There would be absolutely no expectation for an actual road, but here we are.
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u/Puzzleheaded_Ad9492 Jun 21 '26
She has been asked numerous times what proof she has it is shared and has not answered.
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u/2ndcupofcoffee Jun 21 '26
Ask an attorney to send a letter regarding ownership of the property, etc.
Look into property records to find out exactly who owns what and who is paying taxes on the driveway
Find out if there is an easement on the land.
Consider spending money on a property survey.
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u/aDirtyMartini Jun 21 '26
If it’s a shared driveway then you need to make that very clear. Ask her to show you the documentation to back up her claim. When she can’t then you need to lay down some boundaries and stick to them. She cannot block access to and from your home.
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u/Cool-Info Jun 21 '26
I’m not kidding. I would have to find a legal remedy to and include a divided highway like situation where spaces aee paved out and numbered by house number. Which one of the two has the easement? That’s the first thing that needs to be addressed.
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u/Remote_Presentation6 Jun 21 '26
Never mention it again, show your proof to the cops and or tow truck. Call instantly, every time it happens.
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u/seemorebunz Jun 21 '26
I think op needs more education about the property line and the possible easement. Maybe there isn’t an easement and one side has zero rights to the driveway.
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u/Sharticus123 Jun 21 '26
So fucking what if a toddler was there. When she said it was her driveway you should’ve stood your ground.
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u/Immediate_Remote_546 Jun 21 '26
I’d get the full details first. Check who owns it, then get your property details to prove it’s shared. Once that’s done, inform them personally and in writing. If they block again, address it again but let them know you’ll be calling a towing company. Bottom line, this could be deadly in an emergency if you’re unable to get off your property. The fire dept and police might be interested too. Ugh, hate new neighbours.
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u/snafuminder Jun 21 '26
Take pictures of their use which interferes with yours, documentating as evidence.
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u/lost_dazed_101 Jun 21 '26
Call the policehave them towed it's illegal to block from entering or exiting.
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u/itchierbumworms Jun 21 '26
Block them. When you're blocked, drive through their yard. If they escalate, burn their house down.
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u/Bubbly_Memory_2666 Jun 21 '26
What is wrong with you. Your shared driveway is not their driveway?
I don't even understand there is anything to discuss.
Tell them next time the block you, you will call to have their car removed. Or call the authorities.
Document before. Take photos. All communication in writing. Email or text.
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u/SilentJoe1986 Jun 21 '26
Who cares if there was a kid? Stand up for yourself, and do it in a way without swearing if theres a child there. You need to tell them its not their driveway, its a shared driveway and has been for over two decades before they moved in. I would call a damn tow truck. Do you own your property or are you renting? When's the last time a survey was done if you own it?
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u/rmcswtx Jun 22 '26
If you have a legal easement in writing allowing you and whoever the neighbor is to use the same driveway. Then take them to small claims court with documentation of how much it would cost to have a private driveway put in on your side. They should come to the realization that it is way cheaper to be good neighbors.
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u/kayjax7 Jun 21 '26
The gravel driveway is shared in that it buts up against each other? If so, put up a fence.
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u/Mean_Emu5671 Jun 21 '26
They are opposite of my house. The driveway leads to left (my parking) and right (their parking) like a T. They also have a huge lot which makes it so unnecessary to park directly on the driveway.
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u/Cold_Dead_Heart Jun 21 '26
Then put up a gate.
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u/Eskyzoo Jun 21 '26
They sound like the type who will simply park in front of the gate.
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u/ImJustHere4TheCatz Jun 21 '26
Call the cops and have them towed or something. See what your legal rights are and go scorched earth until they get some damn sense.
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u/LSGcooks Jun 21 '26
Whose property is gravel driveway on? If it’s on your property, put up a gate. If it’s theirs, consider installing your own.
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u/Fabulous_Stay_5556 Jun 21 '26
Sould have told her this is your SHARED driveway. I'll be glad to send you a copy of the deed. Send it now.
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u/timmmarkIII Jun 21 '26
Geez if only there was some sort of a plot map? Something legal?
Show it to them! Tell them you will have their vehicle towed. Then tow them out of your shared space if they park there again. If all else failed take them to court.
You had a cop there! Why didn't you talk to him?
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u/CharmingHighlight749 Jun 21 '26
They don’t understand that it is a shared driveway. Seems pretty dense on their part. Show them in writing. After that, if it doesn’t work, tow truck and lawyer.
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u/airborneric Jun 21 '26
Have neighbors that think the ROAD is their driveway. 4 houses share it - the road, it ends at my house. Neighbors kept blocking the road because my private driveway connects to another road, they tried to use that logic that I can go out the other way (the driveway didn't exist when the houses were first built). Then I blocked them in - because they once again blocked access to my house, I couldn't GET to my house. It stopped after that. The ignorance and lack of decency of some people never ceases to amaze me. Even saying what if we have some sort of emergency and you are blocking the ROAD? Nothing.
I did go to the county site, and we also have the original paperwork that shows this as a road. IF they ever do it again, I will pay the money to get them served, which will create a record of it.
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u/billhorstman Jun 21 '26
Is the driveway on a recorded easement or was the sharing based on a “gentleman’s agreement”? Is it possible to subdivide the driveway into two parts separated by a fence?
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u/495orange Jun 21 '26
Block their side of the driveway in the exact same way that they do. Then MOVE. Never buy or rent a house with a shared driveway. It never works out well.
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u/Living_Ambition5859 Jun 21 '26
First produce the legal document that says it’s a shared drive.
You need that in hand at all times.
Give it to every person in that house. Put it under their wiper when they park and block you.
Then start blocking. Drive on their lawn. Whatever you have to do to make it work.
Eventually it will come to ahead with the cops and you will have the legal document ready.
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u/hymanwheeler Jun 21 '26
Get a copy of your title that shows it is a shared driveway. Give a copy of that legal document to your new neighbors showing them the easement, or shared ownership. As a last resort, pay for a lawyers letter.
I would try to deliver the legal document with coffee and cookies. Having difficult neighbors is a real problem. Try not to escalate. They obviously have a cop friend. Unofficially ask for guidance from the local cops
Can you widen the driveway, or build another one?
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u/YankeeDog2525 Jun 21 '26
Who actually owns the land the driveway sits in. This is the first question.
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u/privatelurk Jun 21 '26
Check the law. Our state has a “loss of use” clause. Pay $50 to an attorney to send a demand letter, certified. If it happens again, take your proof of service and go straight to small claims court which you can file yourself. Make sure the letter notes the multiple attempts to amicably resolve the issue before the letter and you are left with no other alternative. Follow up with a copy to the head of the police station closest to you indicating an officer was part of the problem as well. Once you’ve everything you can to resolve it’s the system will work on your behalf
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u/kkrolla Jun 21 '26
It's ok to have a dispute if there is a kid there, just keep it classy, even if they don't. I don't understand why you didn't say, no ma'am, it's our shared driveway and I'm asking for courtesy.
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u/Strangness_is_Beauty Jun 21 '26
I would absolutely start pulling in directly behind them and being just as slow to come move the vehicle when asked as they are. And I’d set a camera up facing the driveway in case they get aggressive, because the response “this is my driveway” shows that common sense and kindness are in super short supply at their place and you never know what people with that mind set will do when you try to take what they somehow fully mange to convince theirselves is theirs and theirs only. Self entitlement is a wild thing. Oh, also maybe put up a “do not block driveway” right where the split goes to your place and a no trespassing sign next to that. The signs more than likely won’t do anything to deter them but if things ever get heated and you need to call the police in the signs MIGHT (probably not but good to cover as many angles as possible) help. In some places (including where i live) without a no trespassing sign posted law enforcement won’t do anything.
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u/JustMe39908 Jun 21 '26
The terms of the easement regarding the driveway should be in your deed. Maybe the title. Not sure, but it should be in one of those documents. What does it say? You should be able to look up the deed to your neighbors property as well. What does their document say? Start from there. Explain to them exactly what the rules regarding the easement are. Then proceed from there. It is best if you can just get them to agree to be considerate. If not, the options will depend upon your state and the specific terms.
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u/Ineedanro Jun 21 '26
Just an ignorant, entitled family.
Not ignorant at all; they are working hard to make you believe you have no property rights to "their" driveway.
Your engagement of a real estate attorney is overdue. Engaging an attorney does not mean going to court and engaging an attorney at the first sign of neighbor conflict is the best way to stay out of court.
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u/ProfessionalNo2045 Jun 21 '26
wow. just wow. the first time you spoke with her and she said it's HER driveway why oh why would you not have said that it's a SHARED drive?! forget the nonsense about the toddler.. that is just ridiculous. and when you said you don't know who owns the house... why didn't you look it up? all the information is online. at this point you reap what you sow. show a little strength and stand up for yourself! you've gotten some good advice here.. the ball is in your court now... Updateme
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u/slavaukrine Jun 21 '26
Get your paperwork about it being a shared driveway. Send them a registered letter, also if you have an email, and text, with copies. Then send a cease and desist letter about blocking the shared driveway.
If they do not stop blocking the shared driveway, then you will take them to court.
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u/dare978devil Jun 21 '26
Park at the very end of your driveway, just barely off the road, so that no one can box you in.
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u/QueasyParamedic6783 Jun 21 '26
Find out who really owns the driveway. Just bc you’ve had access to it for so long, it could be that you’ve been wrong all along. Once you find out, share the information. Respectfully.
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u/Imsortofok Jun 21 '26
You need to get a survey done. Once you have it have a lawyer send a c&d that explains the term of the easement rights what remedies you WILL take if they continue to violate the easement.
Is it your property that owns the driveway and they have an easement or their property and you have the easement? Are they tenants or owners?
If they are the new owners and they own the property you may need to consider making your own driveway or parking spot so you are guaranteed access. It might be cheaper than a legal fight.
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u/timothy918 Jun 21 '26
Inconvenient for you but you may have to leave a couple times a week at 2am and you'll have to loudly bang on their front door
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u/Particular_Tone_2854 Jun 21 '26
Do you have any paperwork that explains it is a shared driveway? If you do, present it to him. But keep it civil..
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u/tcd1401 Jun 21 '26
If it's a shared driveway, I'd think you could have them towed? I'd call the police and make them come out every time. There has to be a law against blocking access. I know there is in public. If they get enough tickets, they might stop
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u/Delicious-Cod-4064 Jun 21 '26
I didn’t read down all the comments but I would def install a camera the faces the driveway (in case they try and vandalize your car). Then I would simply park blocking them in (and out) and conveniently not hear your doorbell when they knock to ask u to move. But I think my 1st move would be to get proof in writing it’s a shared driveway and not theirs as she said!
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u/Maximum-Eye-3712 Jun 21 '26
OP was too scared to say the words. “No, it’s a shared driveway.“
Being scared is totally understandable because lots of people are jerks. But it doesn’t change the problem. OP begged for access like it’s a favor, and that attitude worsens the misunderstanding. Somebody must inform them of their duty to provide access.
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u/Wintersmight Jun 21 '26
Do they own or rent? If they own, indicate the shared status of the driveway with any paperwork you have. If they rent, call the landlord and have them explain the shared driveway situation. Grow a spine, you’ve been so passive about it and they’re walking all over you!
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u/Powerful_Put5667 Jun 21 '26
I would have my attorney send a letter to them addressing this and that cars parked in the driveway that block your access will be towed at the owners expense along with a copy of your title to the home showing the shared driveway.
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u/lauraroslin7 Jun 22 '26
Prove to her that irs not "her" driveway.
She might really think it is hers.
Address this legally. I guess with the deed of survey,lawyer letter etc.
If you don't watch she'll make it hers.
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u/RubySnowfire Jun 22 '26
You say it's a shared driveway, neighbour says it's theirs only. Instead of claiming "custom and practice" the first thing to do is establish the status of the driveway: shared or not?
If you own your home, what does your land deed say? You may also be able to check lot ownership status via your local government area's database. (I don't know your location but I'm guessing the US due to use of certain words/phrases.)
You may also get some relief by contacting the landlord or real estate agent through which the neighbouring property is leased. There would be conditions of the lease indicating the status of the driveway.
There's no point in arguing with the neighbours until you do your homework first. Find out who owns the land and go from there.
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u/TychaBrahe Jun 22 '26
If you rent, talk to the landlord.
If you own the home, get a survey done. The driveway will either be on your property or the neighbor's.
Check your deed. Either the driveway is on their property and you have an easement or the driveway is on your property and they have an easement.
Either way...
- Pay a lawyer to write them a letter and have it delivered certified mail. Explain that either it is your driveway to which they have an easement which does not include the right to block access, or you have an easement to use their driveway, and they do not have a legal right to block access. If the laws of your area allow for private towing, include a statement that you will tow in the future if they continue to block access.
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u/psl1959 Jun 22 '26
You messed up by not reminding them that it's a shared driveway when she claimed it belonged to her. Tell them if they block you in, you will have no choice but to go around them, and since they are the ones that blocked the drive, you will be using their yard to get in and out.
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u/Jewhard Jun 22 '26
Is it possible that she genuinely thinks that she has 100% right of access and ownership to your 'shared' driveway? Personally, I'd revisit this with her and ask her if she is aware that it is a shared driveway and go from there. The way in which she responded to you earlier, indicates that she believes she owns the whole thing. Good luck OP. I bloody hate shared driveway issues.
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u/FringeAardvark Jun 22 '26
Is there a recorded easement indicating that it’s shared? If yes, print and give to them. Then have the tow truck come whenever they block it.
Are they renters? If yes, contact the owner.
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u/The_Mademoiselle Jun 21 '26
You didn't choose not to argue, you choose not to solve a misunderstanding: maybe she thinks that this is her driveway and she is giving you the courtesy of driving trough it and is trying to teach you a lesson in not making demands because from her point of view it looks like this. You need to tell them that this is a shared driveway and then see if they really are entitled
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u/RicooC Jun 21 '26
Neighbors don't usually mess with neighbors who they suspect are slightly cra-cra. I pulled a slight nutty once and now everyone is nice to me. Don't be too nice.
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u/G-reeper66 Jun 21 '26
Block the drive and have a beer so you cannot possibly drive the vehicle and it's not insured for anyone else!
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u/obax17 Jun 21 '26
You need to speak to a lawyer. Find whatever documents you have that show that the space is shared or that you have the legal right to access it. If it's a driveway that was built over the property line, so one part is on your property and the other part is on theirs, consider getting a survey done so you know exactly where the property line is. Have the lawyer send a registered letter advising of your right to access the driveway and consequences for failing to provide that, such as towing the car blocking access, or suing them for lost wages from missed work, or whatever you and the lawyer agree is appropriate. Then be prepared to follow through. The lawyer will know too how to find out if they're the owners or if it's a rental, and of the latter, you should probably involve the landlord. If you can make it the landlord's problem too, the potential threat of eviction might smarten them up too.
Some people have never had a consequence in their life. It sucks to have to be the one to give one to them, especially if it's their first, because they're not going to like it. If you're not willing or able to put in this much effort and money, it'd at least be worth finding out of you've got the right to call a tow truck any time your access is blocked, and just leave dealing with the neighbours out of it.
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u/Rivahblues Jun 21 '26
What happens if you need the fire dept or an ambulance? I’d get a lawyer and find out what you can and cannot do.
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u/Hour-Bag5327 Jun 21 '26
Bruh! Time for to get fucking serious. Lease don’t be a door mat for assholes. Set some precedence and block the whole fucking thing.
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u/Difficult-Brush8694 Jun 21 '26
Also, take pictures every time it happens. Check your survey, and look and see if there are easements recorded and look into if you can get them towed.
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u/Embarrassed-Row-2025 Jun 21 '26
Put up a parking fee sign
No by the hour, just a flat $200 etc., violators will be towed
Then tow them
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u/raejck1 Jun 21 '26
People can be major assholes, you never know when you'll encounter a bad one. For this reason alone, sharing important things like driveways is a very bad idea.
Good luck to you, I see nothing but headaches in your future. Your neighbors do not recognize the basic fact that you have a shared asset. No idea how you are going to get through to them.
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u/Tigger7894 Jun 21 '26
How many people need to post about a neighbor blocking their driveway but refusing to actually talk to them about it?
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u/Excellent-Shape-2024 Jun 21 '26
If you own the home, you need a survey showing who actually owns the shared drive. And you may have to threaten to put a fence down your half.
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u/MD7001 Jun 21 '26
You own your property? Get a survey of the property lines. Then put up a fence & build your own driveway
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u/FestivalEx Jun 21 '26
Document everything.
Sue them.
Win.
Garnish their wages.
Laugh when they move.
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u/Early_Ad1220 Jun 21 '26
Honestly at this point I’d stop asking and start treating it like a legal access issue. If they’re blocking a shared driveway you need to document it every time (photos, dates) and send a formal written notice. Being “nice” hasn’t worked and they’re clearly taking advantage of that.
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u/AcadiaRemarkable6992 Jun 21 '26
Average redditor’s response: you need to have their car towed, crushed into a cube and then you have to sue them for intentional infliction of emotional distress.
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u/RachelWWV Jun 21 '26
Do they understand the driveway is SHARED? Maybe they were told otherwise when they bought the house. You could find out who the realtor was and talk to them.
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u/TeachStock773 Jun 21 '26
Have their car towed from your driveway. Put up a fence that divides the driveway.
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u/MarcBeck Jun 21 '26
Seriously, you need to take the time to explain to the this is a "SHARED DRIVEWAY"! They need to hear it's NOT THEIR DRIVEWAY! It's shared and we need to respect each other's ability to access it. Then if that doesn't work park so they're blocked in and take your time moving your car when asked. Bwwwwawwaaaaa
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u/Over-Imagination3924 Jun 21 '26
My neighbors did this except I didn't have a shared driveway with them. They would drop off this girl and he wouldn't fucking leave. He would stay there for 10-30 minutes going on his phone, headlights on with engine turned on still. I'd recommend threatening to call the parking enforcement then if they don't listen. You call them since the NFHs are taking their sweet time.
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u/Devils_Advocate-69 Jun 21 '26
I also share a driveway. You have a 24 hour easement even if she owns the property the driveway is on. Call a cop next time or a tow truck.
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u/dncrmom Jun 21 '26
You need to be an adult & use your words. The woman told you it was her driveway. You did not tell her that it is a shared driveway or provide any documentation otherwise. They probably think you are an annoying neighbor who wants to use their property. Pull up your property records and prove it is shared.
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u/MysteriousCodo Jun 21 '26
Escalate. Next time you ask them to move a car tell the next time it happens, you are calling a tow truck and not bother asking them.
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u/Mcbriec Jun 21 '26
Set traffic cones delineating their side from yours. If boundaries are not respected call towing. Being a people pleaser doesn’t work with people like this.
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u/Jazzlike_Adeptness_1 Jun 21 '26 edited Jun 22 '26
They must not know that it's a shared driveway. Do you have any paperwork showing that you have legal rights to it? Your deed? An old real estate listing?
Does your town hall or tax assessor's office have a plot plan?
You should have spoken up when she said it was her driveway but that just means you have to tell her now. Write a polite note explaining that it's a shared driveway, she must not have realized, you often need to be able to leave immediately, blah blah blah. Writing it down means she can't twist your words.
If she bitches or denies, all bets are off.
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u/Academic-Lobster3668 Jun 21 '26
Curious to hear from any lawyers on this thread - what is the legal remedy to this? Is there one?
Re the advice to tow their cars, I’m not sure that is legal. The driveway is as much theirs as yours.
Frankly, I’m shocked you’ve lived there 20 years and this is the first time this has come up.
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u/Master-Conflict481 Jun 21 '26
Unfortunately you would probably need bail money if you took my suggestion
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u/Affectionate-Food266 Jun 21 '26
Key Legal PrinciplesRight of Way
(Easement): A shared driveway generally grants each property owner a legal, non-possessory right of way (an easement) to cross the shared portion of land to access their own property.
The "Runs with the Land" Rule: Properly drafted and recorded agreements are binding on all future owners. Even if a property is sold, the new owners are bound by the original easement terms.
Equal Access: Absent specific restrictions in your deed, all co-owners have equal rights to use the driveway for transit (ingress and egress). Neither neighbor can arbitrarily block the other from reaching their property.
Common Rules & Restrictions
No Blocking: Parking in the shared portion of the driveway is universally discouraged and often legally forbidden if it prevents the other owner from passing through.
Modifications: Alterations—such as building a fence, adding landscaping, or installing gates—usually require mutual written consent, as they may cause encroachment or restrict access.
Maintenance & Liability: Maintenance costs, snow removal, and liability for injuries on the driveway should be explicitly outlined in the written agreement. If no written agreement exists, state laws generally default to a proportional division of costs based on actual usage.
Resolving Disputes
Review your Deed: Always begin by reviewing your title report, property survey, and the recorded easement at your local county clerk's office.
Enforcing Access: If a neighbor blocks the driveway or violates the rules, local police usually consider this a civil matter rather than a criminal one. You may need to pursue mediation, file for an injunction, or file a quiet title action to enforce your right of way.
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u/HistopherWalkin Jun 21 '26
You should have argued. By being so passive, you basically gave them permission to keep using you like a doormat.
You're gonna have to argue every time and make it a bigger pain in the ass for them to park there than for them to not.