A woman who recently moved into a new home was shocked when her neighbor immediately demanded access to her driveway, claiming the landlord had made a prior agreement. The neighbor insisted she had the right to use the space because she was 'here first,' leaving the new resident baffled and frustrated.
Dispute Over Parking Space
The woman, who posted on Reddit, explained the layout: 'There is an alley parallel with my street. Between my street and the alleyway, each lot has two houses on it. We have completely different addresses, but both my house and the house behind me are two different addresses. I have a driveway that leads to a carport. The back house renter says the owner promised she could park in my driveway since she was here first.'
Despite the woman's lease clearly stating the driveway is part of her rented property, the neighbor refused to move her car, even during the woman's move-in. The leasing agency was unhelpful, stating they could not speak to what the owner had allegedly promised.
Seeking Advice
The woman expressed her frustration: 'I just don't understand where people get so entitled. And I would like to fight her on this, but I wouldn't even know how.' She and her husband are forced to park on the front yard due to limited street parking, which she described as 'infuriating.'
Reddit users offered advice, suggesting she read her lease and involve law enforcement if necessary. One commenter said: 'Read your lease. If your lease says the driveway is your property that you are renting, call the police and have her ticketed and towed. It doesn't matter what anyone said verbally, what does it say in writing?'
Legal Rights and Lease Agreements
Another user emphasized: 'Assigned parking spaces, carports or garages are intended for resident use only. No sharing, assigning or sub-leasing of assigned parking spaces, carports or garages is allowed.' A third suggested writing a cease and desist letter, citing the lease and threatening legal action if the neighbor does not comply.
A furious Redditor concluded: 'The landlord can't give rights to something he doesn't own. Her legal rights as a tenant are set out in her lease. If it isn't in the lease, it isn't part of her legal agreement for the lease of the property. She can either show you her lease, which gives her the right to park in your driveway, or tell her the next time she does it, you will have her towed. Make it her responsibility to get in touch with the landlord.'
