To not want their car on my driveway?

[Parkingmoan1]

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.

😂

A cat would be very welcome, the kids love them.

Putting the note through the door means you avoid confrontation and you're putting it in writing so they can't deny you asked them.

take a photo of the note (put the date at the top) on your phone or tablet, then you have it as proof.

Unfortunately I don't know which flat they live in so couldn't post a note through.

By the way - PP mentioned putting a kids paddling pool outside. I was considering that already as the weather has been scorching and its so humid indoors. Its a shame i cant have the area fenced off as its quite a busy road but a paddling pool should be fine with adult supervision.

They are the entitled ones. Not you. I suspect they know hence avoiding eye contact.

That’s outrageous.
how on Earth can that be justified?
drying outside costs nothing and saves energy.
victorian tenement blocks refer to the back space/garden as a “drying green”.

who benefits by banning washing?

A box planter with trellis would both block the entrance and make it more of a garden fairly cheaply. You could suggest that to landlord. You could either put some quick growing climbers up or cover it in something like fake ivy - I don’t particularly like fake plants but some of its quite good

I sympathise. I live in a flat on floors 1and 2 of a 3 storey building.
It comes with a fairly large gravelled courtyard in which I have lots of well tended pots and troughs and a raised bed in which I've planted two trees. It's a private area with access only granted to the next door property in order walk through to their vehicle. Previous neighbours have had dogs and another who plonked their BBQ here when they moved in.
I wrote a note saying that the area was mine, nothing of theirs was to be left in any part of it, my bins were not to be used and smoking in the area not allowed. No washing no anything for any reason.
If they kept to those rules then we'd get along fine.
I used to occasionally watch for the first few weeks and if I saw them loiter with their dogs (one tenant had 4 plus 2 pups in a 1 bed flat) I would ring their landlord and remind him to tell his tenants that the land is mine and included with my rent. Other people may ask 'What's the harm' if there is room to store a BBQ or bikes.
I say, try going to any house and ask if you can store your stuff or smoke in THEIR garden.

Absolute cheeky bastards - they haven't even asked you if you mind? Time to get assertive.

Why not have a conversation with them about it, they're probably totally unaware of your frustration and will remain so until you enlighten them.
Communication is key, rather than wallowing in pity and annoyance.
Most people oblige to reasonable requests.

This is the drive / outdoor space I have.

I did look in wilko but they had none of the bigger planters in stock so I'll check out B&Q.

It's a bit of an awkward space to make in to anything resembling a proper garden but some of the bigger planters with some nice plants in it will make it look less bland and deter any other CF parkers.

turn the drive into a pocket garden and enjoy it

www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2016/sep/15/a-day-for-turning-parking-spaces-into-pop-up-parks

Put the note on their car @Parkingmoan1 under the windscreen wiper. You honestly need to sort this one out, so pull up those big girl pants we're right with you, you have 99% YANBU! ♥️

Why does that matter, ? Why do people love askingnthis, even if there was similar what difference does it make.?

I really feel for you. My new neighbours are like this. Any normal person would wave and say hi to the new neighbour, especially if the are smiling or waving at them.. but no not mine! just a blank stare. I always think that if there were a man living with me, they would make more effort to be polite.

They park it diagonally as well which is a PITA for me getting my pram in and out

Hang on - they are making it difficult to exit your own property!
What if you have to leave in a hurry (I'm not wanting to scare you but think of any occasion you might have to get out quick)
They are putting you in danger , probably not deliberately , but they are .

If they are out at the moment can you keep an eye out and get out there when they come back ?
"You cannot park here , it's my space . Can you move your car now? Thanks"

You could turn that into a lovely little garden. Some flower pots, a bench/deck chairs, paddling pool etc.

It's your outdoor space so you should be able to enjoy it.

I would say your neighbour knows exactly what he's doing so I'm glad your landlord is sorting it. He won't want other tenants taking advantage of his rental property either.

Paddling pool gets my vote. Not passive aggressive in any way given the forecast.

I think you handled it perfectly well, ignore all other posters who are having a go at you. You did try and approach them and then contacted your landlord who is dealing with it. Enjoy your drive :)

@Yorkshirebred

Stupid advice - it would still need insurance even if SORN

Probably best not to call people’s advice stupid when you’re wrong yourself. SORNS are exempt from insurance.

If you don't want to speak to them get pots and planters and a bench or patio furniture. Next time their car is off the driveway put it all out so they cannot access the driveway when they return. If they knock on your door just tell them it's part of your garden and they cannot park there as you will be using it

I am angry on your behalf. How rude.

Can you put gates in front so you can close access. I would put a stop to this lack of consideration from your neighbours asap. No5 being approachable makes me think they are avoiding this conversation.

I can readily believe this is the case, my EA told my buyer that my house came with residents' parking and permits. It did not, and I had never said nor implied that it did. He was making it up to make the parking restriction outside less unappealing. I was livid when the buyer's solicitor asked mine to ensure the permit was transferred over to their client.

I can quite easily imagine OP's neighbours being told that they can park there no problem at all, and the arrangement suits them just fine. Doesn't their flat have its own allocated space, or do they have another vehicle in that?

Stick it on the car then.

dear x

this car parking space belong to flat x. Please do not use under any circumstances. Many thanks

If it's private rent than I'd ask landlord about getting a bollard put up that needs a key to lower.

You can always stay your reason why and offer to get it fitted and leave it for the next tenants.

But also the landlord will want them to stop before they make a claim because they've always parked there.