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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not want their car on my driveway?

395 replies

Parkingmoan1 · 16/07/2022 13:44

I live in a city in a ground floor flat, no garden but I have a driveway that comes with my flat.

I don't have a car so this Is why I don't know if I'm being unreasonable..

My doorway / driveway gets alot of direct sun so I like to dry my washing out there on racks when the weather is nice. I also like to sit out there on a chair with a cold drink and a book sometimes.

A few months ago a family moved into the flat above me and have taken to parking their big people carrier on my drive. They didn't ask my permission, just assumed they were entitled to because I don't have a car.

My frustration is when their car is there I can't put my washing out, it also blocks alot of the sun. They park it diagonally aswell which is a PITA for me getting my pram in and out.

They are out there at the minute cleaning and hoovering the car about 3ft away from my doorstep so I can't sit out and enjoy the sun / a bit of peace and quiet.

AIBU to be unhappy about them using my drive in this way? The poll results will determine what, if anything, I say to them.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
8
Lweji · 17/07/2022 18:56

I still don´t understand why people don´t tell these CFs to F-off the first time.
I would need to use the drive every single time they parked there.

YorkshireLass2012 · 17/07/2022 18:59

OP, you are paying for this outdoor space as part of your rent. Whether you choose to use it as a car parking space or a terrace is up to you as long as it doesn’t breach your tenancy agreement. YANBU wishing to keep this space for your use. I would’ve be happy subsidising someone else’s parking costs. Hope you get this sorted asap.

maddy68 · 17/07/2022 19:00

They probably think it's communal parking.

You need to speak to them. Or drop a really nicely worded note through the letter box.

Explain you think there has been a misunderstanding and it's your drive please could they refrain from parking on it as you require your own access to it

Point out where there parking is. If there is any

CactusBlossom · 17/07/2022 19:14

I feel your pain. I have a neighbour who treated the shared driveway as his own personal parking space for multiple cars. I would advise:


  1. check it's clear in the deeds (for both properties -- could allow access, but not parking)

  2. speak to them, explaining the situation (take documentation with you)

  3. if unsuccessful, write them a letter

  4. if unsuccessful, get a solicitor to write them a letter

  5. if unsuccessful, take out an injunction.

You are not being unreasonable. If you were to move, the next occupant may well want to make use of the driveway. What you pay for the flat assumes it comes with the driveway. It could be a simple misunderstanding, so you need to get it resolved amicably if at all possible. If it gets as far as writing letters, you would have to declare this as a dispute when you want to move, which could give you a problem.

Louzzan · 17/07/2022 19:18

A penguin bollard is just over £20. They are great! I would love to know what happened as we have neighbours who have a similar problem.

Cairo55 · 17/07/2022 19:26

UNBU🤦

Zombiemum1946 · 17/07/2022 19:30

Put a chain across, hang a sign saying private .

Louzzan · 17/07/2022 19:36

Zombiemum1946 · 17/07/2022 19:30

Put a chain across, hang a sign saying private .

@Zombiemum1946 best idea!

Windypants21 · 17/07/2022 19:56

How about putting a chain across with a padlock? It is then a defined area.

creamwitheverything · 17/07/2022 20:05

I would have handled it differently.I wouldhave called round said Hi neighbour,really sorry but work is due to start on my patio in a couple of days so you cant park where you do anymore,I let you park there whilst I was waiting but now I am ready to begin so just thought I would let you know,
No hard feelings and you end up looking marvellous for being so generou sin the first instance,,it would really take the wind out of their sails and they couldnt misinterprit anything but now they are going to recieve a letter from landlord instructing them to shift and it will be the first they have heard about it being a problem..that will cause resentments as it could appear to be very underhanded.

godmum56 · 17/07/2022 20:09

creamwitheverything · 17/07/2022 20:05

I would have handled it differently.I wouldhave called round said Hi neighbour,really sorry but work is due to start on my patio in a couple of days so you cant park where you do anymore,I let you park there whilst I was waiting but now I am ready to begin so just thought I would let you know,
No hard feelings and you end up looking marvellous for being so generou sin the first instance,,it would really take the wind out of their sails and they couldnt misinterprit anything but now they are going to recieve a letter from landlord instructing them to shift and it will be the first they have heard about it being a problem..that will cause resentments as it could appear to be very underhanded.

hilarious!

missnevermind · 17/07/2022 20:20

I would stop calling it a drive and start calling it your garden. Pretty it up, low fence across the access, flower planters, garden furniture etc.

fatchilli123 · 17/07/2022 20:23

Install bollard/s... your property your right

BruisedSkies · 17/07/2022 20:26

Sounds like your landlord is on it. Planters would be good, outside space is so precious. It would look lovely with some plants out there

Mandyjack · 17/07/2022 20:26

thereisonlyoneofme · 16/07/2022 13:53

Didnt we have a similar thread a while ago ?

There was a post that was similar in the last couple of months

Lizzy53 · 17/07/2022 20:27

Someone suggested bollards ....good idea.....and there are bollards with solar lights on too great idea for your parking space. Stop faffing about and do something.

CoffeeWithNiles · 17/07/2022 20:32

Does anyone bother to read the updates from the OP? Or do people just read the first post and respond?

GirlOfTudor · 17/07/2022 21:00

Love the suggestion of cementing flower pots on the driveway! Genius!
Definitely not being unreasonable. I had a similar situation when I rented a flat before. Had a designated space and didn't drive back then so rented it out as much as I could (was allowed). When a van parked there without permission I put a polite note under his wiper. Worked a treat.
Good luck!

whatdoIknowabout · 17/07/2022 21:05

I don't know but maybe the point is to share concerns and not expect abuse from others - straight talking is fine.

User6363827373 · 17/07/2022 21:06

Tbf if you haven't spoken to them about it, they are probably none the wiser! Try and speak to them and tell them it belongs to you! GL!

whatdoIknowabout · 17/07/2022 21:10

I'm referring to a nasty message - can't see it now - perhaps removed.

Zombiemum1946 · 17/07/2022 21:10

It's great you've had a good response from your landlord. I would still put something in place such as a chain/ bollard/ fence, as a way to prevent others from making the same mistake.

pilkywilkymoansalot · 17/07/2022 21:30

ask a friend to park their car there for a while. The get the planters going.

Pissedofanbored · 17/07/2022 21:45

Scatter smashed glass all over , that should do it.

ShirleyPhallus · 17/07/2022 21:51

Pissedofanbored · 17/07/2022 21:45

Scatter smashed glass all over , that should do it.

Bit of a pyrrhic victory that one isn’t it?