To not want the flat below me to keep a guinea pig run in the front garden?

[RiceOliver]

Bit hard to explain how our flats are, but it's 1 building. Flat on bottom and flat on top, I am the flat on top. There is a gate that is locked with a code before you can get to either of our doors, so the small little garden at the front isn't accessible by outside people but it is ours, if you see what I am saying? She often hangs the washing out there which isn't really a problem, obviously I'm not that ridiculous. However, she has a run on the grass area now, which covers the whole grass bit as it's so tiny. When I come down my steps, I have to squeeze past it to get out. Sometimes I see guinea pigs out in it and I can't see her anywhere?
I've thought about knocking and asking her to not have it out but I don't know if I'm unreasonable here or not? She literally uses the whole space anyway which is fine but I think it's a bit much to now have the run out all the time and to also leave guinea pigs out in it when it isn't actually her own private area.

I'm genuinely willing to listen to all views , thanks.

It's not like dog poo, it's hard little pellets that aren't going to be tramped anywhere - they eat most of them anyway because they are meant to.

Of course they are quite cute there is a few I think but really it's quite annoying. No, the run isn't on the pathway, but it's right up to it, so yes, it can be a bit of a squeeze if I have bags of something from shopping. I have to carry them over the run. The run is never even put away, if she takes them inside it is left there.

It definitely isn't hers only, she doesn't own that garden bit.

Thanks for the replies.

Do you own or rent OP? The gardens usually belong to one or other (usually ground). If you rent, I guess you don't have access to the deeds or info on freeholder?

Do you actually want to use that bit of grass for anything yourself OP? Is the GP run preventing your morning Tai Chi or are you objecting on an aesthetic basis?

Unless you specifically own part of it, you can't have a say in what it can be used for.

Do you sit outside during the summer? If so then it needs to move. Blocking your entry? It needs to move.
Bit cheeky assuming it is fine without speaking to you first.

Well who does own it, then? Do you?

They don’t eat most of their poo, I bloody wish they did.
We need a diagram OP. Something blocking your way must be annoying. Is there any space for her to change the layout? Or buy a cat and it will kick it lips outside the cage until she brings it in.

I think just ask her to move it out the way so it isn’t difficult when you come in with shopping. That’s super reasonable.

Ask her to move it so it’s not so close then stop being such a misery.

So many people telling the OP she doesn't know who owns the garden when she's repeatedly said it's shared

I'd be annoyed OP, living in flats is horrible if you don't have a little bit of outside space and now you have none. I bet if she'd asked if you minded her GPs using the grass you'd have agreed but it's rude to just take it over without a word.

They'll mow (and fertilise) the grass for you!

I think you should think about why it annoys you, and then try to be gracious and generous and get over it. Her guinea pigs will really love being outdoors munching on grass, so think of how much pleasure you're giving them by not making a fuss.

guinea pigs rock my world too fairylea.

Do you own or rent, OP? If you rent and the area is legally a communal area, I think what is reasonable depends on whether you want to use the area yourself, eg to hang out your own washing or sit out in the summer. If you wouldn't be using the grass area yourself, it feels a bit petty to object. If you own the property, I can see there is a bigger issue if you might want to sell in future. If an area that is intended as communal space is in fact dominated by one person's pets, it could devalue the property so I could understand you wanting to put a stop to it. If you rent, you could ask your landlord what the legal position is about putting pets in the area. If you are the owner, perhaps you would be best taking legal advice if you want to pursue the matter, as it would seem sensible to understand what your rights are before raising with the neighbour.

I think your just looking for something to moan about by the sounds of it.

I'd be down there asking to cuddle the guinea pigs.

Are we talking about a tiny bit of grass that butts up to your steps and her path, rather an actual garden? Who cuts the grass?

Honestly I think unless it's really harming you then YABU and should let it go.
It's worth considering if you go to the landlord then you may end up causing your neighbour to have to get rid of her pet that she is fond of. I couldn't do that to someone.
If you think it will help then have a word with her and ask her to move the guinea pig run to give you more space so you don't have to squeeze past it.

Is your squeezing past actually just lifting your bag an inch or two?

How big is it for you to have to squeeze past it?

Yes of course she should have asked you as it's a shared space.

I used to be a letting agent, that space won't be communal. Usually the ground floor flat owns the garden and you likely have access through her property. Her contract will probably say the garden is hers. Even if in some rare, unusual situation it is a shared space the guinea pig run really isn't impacting your quality of life and it would come across a bit petty to complain about it. Its nice for the piggies to get some fresh air and not be cooped up. Perhaps if it's truely getting in the way of you carrying shopping bags etc in you could politely ask your neighbour to move it over a couple of inches.