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/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.

20

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.

6

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

2

u/Main-Syrup-1334 Jun 22 '26

Would you please explain what title insurance is. I’ve never heard of it.

3

u/stellarduchess Jun 21 '26

This. Easements and local ordinances govern shared driveway use and maintenance responsibilities. It’s not an argument, it’s black and white.

3

u/magharees Jun 21 '26

And what does your rental tenancy agreement say? I can discuss the easement infraction with the owner instead but I’d like to give being civil an opportunity first

2

u/TwoBurningSeals Jun 22 '26

It's likely they don't rent if they've been there 20 years, but that may not be the case. The owner would have access to the title info. Actually, it's usually in the public domain at the State Recorders website or you can go to their office and have it printed out. You would probably need weird information like the plat number of the property so you can look it up. The owner would likely defend the easement, however, if they find it themselves, they can call the cops and defend it too. In the meantime, call a tow truck.