Our house is on a small development of 4 houses. When we moved in, some of the neighbours spoke to us about expectations of living there. They were nothing out of the ordinary, just about not making a lot of noise and helping by taking in parcels and bins on bin day, but they said that we all help each other out. We had young children at the time and they did try to lay the law down about them which we found overbearing. Our kids haven't caused them any issues though so all ok.
We have done parcels, bins and helped get some shopping for some of them in Covid. We have lent them things like ladders and tools. There have been things we have refused to do like lifts to the airport and looking after pets when they’re on holiday due to time constraints and work.
We have recently bought a ride on lawn mower. Before this we had a gardener that did the lawn but my husband is now only working 3 days a week so wants to do more of the garden himself. One of our neighbours has asked if they can use the lawnmower to save them paying for their gardener. My husband has said no. Another neighbour approached me about it and said again that we all help each other out here. I got out of the conversation by saying something about it being his new toy and he doesn’t want to share. Would you think lending this would come under normal and expected for neighbours to do? It’s an expensive item and we’d rather it was just us that used it. Are we being unreasonable?