to expect my bins not to blocked in by people parking in my drive

[Graciescotland]

I recently moved. The landlords agent told me that she and the landlord's ex wife park their cars on the drive as it was convenient for work. I agreed (verbally) to allow them to continue the practice provided I wasn't using the spaces. There's nothing in the lease, they're my spaces to use as I wish.

Whilst I don't mind the parking I do object to the half hour conversations they have standing outside my front door. However they blocked my bins in for a second time!(I'd of had to stand on a car bonnet to get it out- at 36 weeks pregnant) and when I asked for them to move the bins after they park(binmen come in the afternoon and will take bins from the wall if not blocked in) I got a series of well it's not my problem replies.

All I was asking for was some consideration and the assurance that this wouldn't happen again. Instead I got a major dose of condescension perhaps because at 30 I'm much younger than the two other ladies involved.

Whilst I don't want to be a bitch, I want to be able to put out my rubbish and I don't want this to be repeated.

Should I nip it in the bud now and just tell them to park both cars elsewher or cut it down to one car. Trying to work out an equitable solution where they can both park only seems to inconveniences me and I'm not prepared to be a doormat. I think there's a bit of homone charged annoyance in there ;-). I'm really sorry for ranting but it was nice to vent!

Gracie xx

[trice]

how are you going to get your pram/buggy in and out?

If you are paying rent then it is your drive. Tell them it ain't on.

YANBU

[LadyBiscuit]

I'd tell them that it's an inconvenience and you don't want them to park there given that they are doing it with no consideration for you. Their fault - they had a privilege and abused it so it got taken away. You really don't want to be wrestling bins around cars when you're pregnant!

[nagoo]

Yep tell them to park somewhere else as you can't be stuggling past with buggy, and 'you are worried you might scratch their car trying to get the bin/ buggy in/out'

[kittens]

Charge them rent for use of your driveway as you're paying rent on the flat and drive. Near where I live you can rent out a space for £75 to £100 per month. There is a website www.yourparkingspace.co.uk/ where you can find the price of parkign space rental in your area. I would charge them above market rate to put them off using the space.

[alicatte]

You poor poor thing.

I think a really nicely worded letter just explaining what the problem is and thanking them in advance for leaving a little more space so you can get in and out would probably do the trick. My experience is that you should avoid loaded words like consideration because that's critical and might provoke a reaction. After all what you want is for the problem to resolve itself.

Maybe drawing a guideline to show where to park (chalk would do)as an additional bit of help for them.

Good luck

[BabyDubsEverywhere]

I would be livid with this, but also wary as you rent from them and I have no idea how easily they'd be able to use it against you? Could you put the bins ut the night before maybe? But god knows what you'll do when you've got a pushchair too?

[Graciescotland]

There is a central path between where the two cars park. So buggy isn't a problem, unless I follow the cheeky suggestion of putting the bin at the end of it the night before as they don't want the hassle of moving it, Grrr!

Your right LadyBiscuit, I will and I shall.

[CheeseandGherkins]

When does your lease run out? I'd assume that if you cause them problems with parking then you just won't get it renewed and will have to look for somewhere else to live.

[CheeseandGherkins]

Oh and also, most councils say bins need to be out by 7am (I know you say they are collected in the afternoon but that is subject to change) so I'd (and we do) put them out the night before.

[Graciescotland]

Hehehe charging them rent would probably be subletting and a breach of my lease but I'd love to see the look on their faces if I suggested it!

Although telling them to stop parking there would annoy them. I don't see how they could use it against me except perhaps by refusing to extend the lease or by withholding my deposit when I leave. Which is something to consider but I'd assume that in a years time they'd have gotten over it.

Thanks for the advice.

Gracie xx

[paisleyleaf]

I'd be wary of saying they can't park there anymore as you're renting. I don't know what it's like where you are, but in some places parking spaces like this can be a massive deal to some people and worth losing the current tenant over.

[Danthe4th]

Stick the bins in the middle of the drive the night before the bin men come, problem solved!!

[NetworkGuy]

Are any friends due to go off on holiday ?
As these are two places for your use, and you indicated verbally that it would be OK if you weren't using them then you have every right to use them.

How about ASKING allowing any of your friends who may be able, to leave their car(s) in your places for a week or two, and just see what reaction you get.

If the two who have been parking "in your way" get 'shirty' and try any condescending 'I want' speeches, you can simply say "as far as I am concerned, the places are provided for my use, and as you know, there's nothing in writing to allow you to park there".

Of course, when you get a friend to park, do make time to be sure there's space wherever you want space!

If you give these two headaches about parking for a few weeks (off and on, if need be) they might be more "understanding" about your needs after they get over their somewhat selfish attitude... At that point you can "allow" them back, on your terms.

[nagoo]

paisley the OP's parkers are the landlords Ex and the letting agent, not the landlord himself, so I'd be less worried. Still try to be nice about it though

[LittleMissHissyFit]

OK, so here it is.

The next time they stand outside your door, GO out there and say Oh, hello! Glad I caught you.

Thing is, sorry, but you are blocking in the bins and I just cant hump them over your car in this condition, I might injure myself (point to bump) or damage your cars.

So could you either park so I have a bin sized path to use?

Or if that's not possible, say that tbh, with the buggy etc, new baby, you will be needing the space back and that they will have to find elsewhere to park.

Give them a month, say, to find somewhere else. Make sure you put it in writing to the agents confirming your discussion with them.

TBH, you really oughtn't to have allowed that, it's kind of muddying the waters at the very beginning, they can't have the rent and benefit from the free parking...It had disaster written all over it. Trouble is, and they know it, If you kick up too much fuss, you'll be served notice and that'd really crown it all!

[Graciescotland]

I know I shouldn't of agreed in retrospect. I've always rented flats before and have happily let people use my space so long as they asked and because it wasn't inconvenient for me. However I always had communal bins before though too!