'I really don't want my yard torn up': Entitled neighbor demands couple sign waiver for construction equipment to cross their yard so he can build a pool, throws a fit when they refuse

Author image for Isabella Penn
Isabella Penn
Jan 13, 2025 9:00 AM EST

There's something about having a pool in your backyard as a kid that instantly boosted your coolness factor. Suddenly, you were the kid everyone wanted to hang out with, and your house became the neighborhood hot spot. Friends would show up with floaties, sunscreen, and hopeful grins. And who could blame them? You had instant access to paradise whenever you wanted. 

But if you didn't have a pool, you definitely had a mental map of every pool within a five-house radius. You'd spot the glint of water over a fence, hear the faint splash of cannonballs in the distance, and immediately start scheming. Who lived there? Could you befriend them? Did they have kids your age? Strategic alliances were formed, and invitations were subtly (or not-so-subtly) secured.

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    via Larry Tseng via Unsplash+

  • But when you’re an adult, the magic of owning a pool hits a few reality checks. Sure, it’s luxurious, but it’s also expensive. And cleaning it is nothing short of a nightmare. Then there's the whole yearly ritual of winterizing and reopening your pool. It’s a wallet-draining, time-consuming hassle that your definitely weren't picturing when bought into the idea of a backyard luxury. But, if your neighbor has a pool, it's suddenly like you’re 10 years old again. It's the best of both worlds—access to the fun without the pain of maintenance.

    Unless, of course… your neighbor is this guy.

  • AITAH, for refusing to sign my neighbors "Use of Yard" waiver?
    via Via smooth9iron
  • Last Thursday, my neighbors approached my wife regarding a Use of Yard waiver since they don't have the clearance to move excavators and bobcats to their backyard to build a pool. The waiver states they need 10ft of clearance (4ft would be into our yard based on my measurements) and they would
    via Via smooth9iron
  • repair the grass to its original state. I have an irrigation system and internet lines which run beneath the area which would be used. The neighbors were leaving for FL and asked for a 48 hour turnaround. I spoke to the pool company on Friday and the PM said they need
    via Via smooth9iron
  • 10-12ft and they need the waiver because there is a good chance the ground will be totally torn up. It was my wife's 30th birthday this weekend so this situation was not top of mind but my neighbor knocks on the door
    via Via smooth9iron
  • Saturday afternoon asking for a response. I kindly explain I am not comfortable signing the current waiver given the typos, lack of notarization, and ambiguities regarding repairs. He takes it personally and storms. out of the house complaining about how much money he is going to lose.
    via Via smooth9iron
  • Today, the project manager from the pool company knocks on our door asking what they can do to resolve this. I told him I really don't want my yard torn up but at minimum a new waiver needs drafted and I would consider it. He then says we have an
    via Via smooth9iron
  • electrical easement which runs 1.5ft into our yard in the exact spot he wants to use and would just call for access. I check my plat design and deed to see there is NOT any easement running thru the area they need. He leaves and the situation is still up in the air.
    via Via smooth9iron
  • Edit: thanks everyone for your input. I had run this situation by many friends and colleagues and the answers were consistently "no" unless you can get outrageous stipulations and even so it is still a risk. At the end of the day, I don't want to be dealing with the pool contractor or neighbor to return my yard and irrigation to its original state.
    via Via smooth9iron
  • Project manager said they neighbors have known about this for months and just "forgot" to bring it over to us until he reminded them. They do have the other side of their house but their driveway would be ruined and they still need a use of yard waiver from the other side neighbor
    via Via smooth9iron
  • LLYNCH
    via Luke Besley via Unsplash+
  • CandylandCanada NTA Right now, your neighbour has a problem. If the contractor digs up your yard, causes damage, disturbs something, fails to restore your yard or takes three months to do the work, then you *both* have a
    via Via CandylandCanada
  • problem. The document as you've described it doesn't address liability, or how disputes will be resolved. There is no upside to you signing this unless you have a particularly close relationship that you want to maintain with the neighbour. The pressure to sign this quickly is not a good sign.
    via Via CandylandCanada
  • StrangerOnReddit NTA but it sounds like your neighbor might be hellbent on this plan. Do yourself a favor and consult a lawyer, to be safe.
    via Via StrangerOnReddit
  • sharethewine NTA. Your neighbor didn't give you sufficient time or correct information and then the project manager lied to try and manipulate you. I'd spell that out to both of them and let them know for those two reasons the access will never be granted.
    via Via sharethewine
  • ptfancollector Before I would even consider a waiver I would want to know: How much are they willing to pay for damaging your lawn? Did they offer a deposit to cover potential damage? How would they repair the damaged - grass seed or sod? You would be on the hook to water it. I see a lot of reasons to say no, not many reasons to say yes.
    via Via ptfancollector
  • AnonAnontheAnony NTA - Stand your ground. Your property (up to whatever public easement) is YOUR property. Electrical easements are ONLY in play, for things like transformers and power poles. Your drop is not under an 'easement.
    via Via AnonAnontheAnony
  • Rock3tSc13nc3 So, they can CRANE STUFF into the yard and never touch your yard. Make them do that. costs them more, costs you nothing. This is NOT the kind of thing you rush, no reason for YOU to feel any pressure.
    via Via Rock3tSc13nc3
  • BCReyes21 NTA. This company is trying to pull one over on you and if you let them you will almost certainly regret it. They can draft a new waiver with everything covered correctly and thoroughly. It's their job. If your neighbor is upset about the delay they can blame the pool company for their lack of professionalism.
    via Via BCReyes21
  • RedHolly If they burst a pipe in the irrigation system you may not even know about it until the spring when you turn on the system. Sounds too risky
    via Via RedHolly
  • JennyM8675309 NTA. His emergency is not yours. The waiver as-is leaves you open to potential property damage that you might be responsible for.
    via Via JennyM8675309

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neighbors lawn drama neighborhood construction yard neighborhood-drama pool swimming pool entitled Bad Neighbor karma entitled people
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