AIBU to stop neighbours from using the steps at the side of my house as shortcut?

[thelongroad]

I genuinely can't decide whether saying something would be unreasonable or not.
Our house (blue) is next to the corner house (red). There is a new build next to us, consisting of 2 semis. The one right next to us is still empty, but just before Xmas a family moved into the other one (pink).

All the houses along our road have the front entrance along the front road, but can also be accessed from the back road (we have no garden, only parking spots for the cars). Neither the front nor the back are fenced off. Front road is a dead end, so nobody going past. Back road has occasional cars and kids walking to local school but otherwise nothing (rural village).

We own the bit between us and corner house (their land is fenced off all round). It's sloping downwards towards the back, and we've paved it and put in steps (grey lines) so we can walk from front to back of house. I've also got plants growing there and we have our firewood stack on the side.

Very occasionally kids who are playing on either road use our steps as a shortcut to the other road. This is ok. We've also had workmen ask to use it when they've been working on one road and needed to get to the other. Also fine.

However, since the new neighbours moved in, they have been using it ALL THE TIME for getting from the front to the back. They have a garage at the front of the house but park their 2nd car at the back. Clearly they have no way of getting into their house at the back (we put in a back door specifically for this purpose) so they using our steps to cut through instead of walking all the way around the corner house.

Now, the thing is that the steps go past our living/dining room, and I actually see them zipping past every time. If they look in they can see us too.

It's (irrationally?) annoying the fuck out of me that they seem to think they can just come onto my property because it's more convenient for them.
I've even blocked the bit a the front with a row of plant pots to make it slightly more obvious that it's not a public way, but they're still using it.

I can't decide if I'm being deeply unneighbourly and unreasonable in wanting them to stop using our steps. I know I can ask them to stop and they will have to (from a legal point of view) but should I? Why does this bother me so much??

Apologies that this is so long. I offer a diagram as compensation of you made it through!

It may be a genuine misunderstanding on their part as they've seen people use it, and I can give you numerous examples of places I've lived where there seemingly private-looking paths have a right of appeasement for residents and visitors.

Either put up a gate or politely mention it in passing but don't get upity or go round to complain in an angry manner.

Put in a motion activated light and security cam that has a warning tone. The light should be right to their faces, annoying and making it more difficult for them to peep in your windows. The security cams common here make a chirpping sound, so they know that they are observed. This should make them aware that they are trespassing. The cam could be important if they take a tumble on the stairs.

No cameras or gates required. Just have a conversation for christs sake!

”This is our private land. You need to stop using our stairs”.

Gates etc. are a lady resort surely??

@thelongroad

All the points about liability are valid though, I hadn't considered that really. I shall block the stairs immediately and put up a sign. Then look into fencing in the Spring.

Why not just ask them if they realise they have been trespassing on your land and ask them to stop?

Definitely gates. And locked ones. Although van expensive waybof doing it, will add value to your property if you sell it. And even a wee sign attached to the gates Private Property. They should then get the message loud & clear.

Best diagram ever. Tell them asap, so much easier.

Yep. Fence needed as once the other semi is finished you'll have them using it too.

You could try the cheaper option of a massive in your face 'private property keep out' sign

@thelongroad

get gates. Other house need fences and gates so the cost angle is well that’s the cost.

you could tell them but given the fact they ever thought it was ok shows you they are inconsiderate or stupid or rude so I would get the gates.

i sign will do nothing

people are so selfish

You do need to stop them - if they continue to use the path without you telling them that it’s private land they can create an easement over the land which is a pain in the bum when you come to sell.

speak to them, and if they continue to use the steps, install gates (you don’t need to lock them).

YNBU but at same time they maybe don't realise it's not a public right of way if they see others doing it. If your going to stop them you should stop everyone. Kids included it's one thing as a good will gesture to allow workmen to access it. But for others like kids and neighbours make it clear it's private. Put a gate up marked private property.

I can’t believe the contortions (and expense ) people will go to rather than just speak politely but directly to the neighbours.

I would politely ask them not to use it as its private property. They probably haven't realised. Is there an update?

Sounds like they just think it's a right of way in probably having seen others do it. Unfortunately, despite your previous good will,.it seems you'll have to stop everyone coming through. If you don't do something then occupants of the other house are going to assume the same and so are any other future new neighbours. YADNBU. A quiet word would probably do it, people will get the idea soon enough.

You're not being unreasonable at all! looking at your diagram they are cutting through your garden/property because they cba to walk around the end house! And every time it's an invasion of your privacy! Personally I'd be putting up gates or a fence like your next door neighbour! But alternatively pop your head out the next time pink neighbour cuts through and say "you do realise you're cutting through my garden every time you do that right? - I'd prefer it if you didn't" with a smile 😊

Its your private property maybe put a sign up or as others have said could you gate it although gates are expensive,maybe some low level fencing so its obvious that its not a public short cut. unfourtunetly if others use them its doing to be difficult, think you are going to have to ask them not to use, but understand that you dont what to fall out with them, but it would drive me nuts as well.

It seems it’s more than one person using it as a cut through so maybe they don’t realise it’s private? I would definitely politely point it out to the new neighbours as It would ‘p’ me off. Or I would put gates and a sign on the gate ‘private property’. 💐

I'd be bowling out of my house or opening the window as they go past and saying "Can I ask what you are doing?" as they walk past my window.

YADNBU. Who needs strangers walking right past their windows unexpectedly several times a day?!

This wording is very polite and clear. But I'd put gates up, too, for security if nothing else.

Top diagram!😎

Agree. They may think it's a right of way. Tell them.

You are no being unreasonable at all, I am just wondering as some others are if they are aware it is your private property? They might be mortified if they realised what they were doing. It's probably best to get on top of it now or else it will be forever like it. Perhaps come at it in a friendly, even jokey way, just so they know

PS....your diagram brightened up my morning 😀

People can be cheeky as f**k. After my dad died and mum no longer had a car, her neighbour’s visitors started parking in her space which looked right into the house. They just assumed it was ok as the house no longer had a car ???!!! Get it stopped asap !

Have you got blinds or net curtains if not put them up also if you catch them at again get a bucket of cold water go upstairs and wait when you see them chuck it on them whilst distracting them

That would be assault and also end any good will between neighbours. What is wrong with knocking on their door and explaining that the steps are not a right of way (or an easment) but your garden? Then put up a notice and when possible a fence and gates. Seems a lot of hassle that could be stopped with a polite word.

Poor you. I hate this sort of thing. It's easy to say "tell them not to", but if you hate confrontations it doesn't seem easy. But it has to be done.

Either they will be mortified because they didn't know, or they did know and are thick-skinned enough to do it regardless, so will not be hurt by your request to stop. Good luck.