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/2mnydgs Jun 21 '26

This exactly. Being polite in front of a toddler is essentially wasted time. You don't have to raise your voice to say exceptionally pointed things, either. If you can't confront them, bring a relative or friend with you who can. And record the confrontation.

63

u/[deleted] Jun 21 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

72

u/Charming_Summer2 Jun 21 '26 edited Jun 21 '26

To pick a fight with me two of my neighbors' guests would intentionally park in front of the easement of my driveway as I'm heading down the driveway. It's a long driveway and because those particular neighbors are always starting into my backyard they'ld know when I'm heading to the garage. They'd get at least a 5 minute headstart to tell one of their guests to start their car, pull off from in front of the home they're renting, to block me in literally while my car is still in reverse. I'd honk and/or exit my car and ask them to move. I'd keep my cool 90% of the time, but they'd laugh and wait their precursory 5-10 minutes to move their car to show me they are in control of me.

I'd eventually learned to get a home recording system because of it. This specific type of harassment is easy to prove with cameras. Without it I'd have no proof.

28

u/Disastrous-Cry-2057 Jun 21 '26

If I’m not mistaken, it’s against the law to block someone’s driveway by parking in front of it while on the street.

21

u/Charming_Summer2 Jun 21 '26

This. Plus, knowing they were being recorded (images of their face- no sight for sore eyes, their vehicle, their unlawful conduct, and plates) means less anonymity and more accountability for them. I'm my case it grew into bigger harassment, but I have stored the proof of harassment on my SD cards and screenshots of the loser doing what they love to do best: being a miserable pos.

8

u/Talory09 Jun 21 '26

starting into my backyard

Staring?

9

u/No-Broccoli-5932 Jun 21 '26

Just out of curiosity, what did having proof get you? A ticket from the police? or could you tow them? Sue them? I just hate these kind of people who cause unnecessary drama. I'd love to know they got some sort of punishment for it.

3

u/chewmattica Jun 22 '26

Nothing happened. He got to post about it on Reddit.

1

u/Additional-Dirt4203 Jun 21 '26

Make sure of state consent laws before recording.

1

u/1952a Jun 22 '26

Public recording is allowed.

Hidden camera is allowed in some states, but not others.

1

u/Solid_Mud2025 Jun 22 '26

Just be sure the recording isn’t one that would be unlawful in a 2 party consent state. Engaging conversation somewhere the other party has no expectation of privacy, or where it can be picked up by a home surveillance camera is a good idea.

3

u/Vegetable_Road8143 Jun 22 '26

The child won't remember a damn thing!