Homeowner asks elderly neighbors to stop parking in his driveway, they refuse and tell him he's being "too rigid": '[They] suddenly started to use my driveway, first for a couple of hours and by now they are just straight up occupying it'

Author image for Brad Dickson
Brad Dickson • Managing Editor
Jun 28, 2025 12:00 PM EDT

It's nice to do things for other people, after all, it feels good and "right" and is a reminder of the importance of the almost entirely eroded social contract. But, give some people an inch and they'll take a mile. Any sign of perceived weakness or a soft point that they can work their way into, and you'll have invited something (or someone) into your life that is going to keep working its way in as far as it possibly can. It starts off with letting your neighbor park in your driveway, and before you know it, you're tucking them into your bed in the evening. 

While in today's world, the idea of being direct with someone may seem off-putting and impolite, there's nothing impolite about effective communication and setting reasonable boundaries. And, setting firm boundaries is an absolute necessity in some instances.

When this homeowner found his elderly neighbors were parking in his driveway, it started off as an occasional thing, but quickly escalated into the older couple "straight up occupying" his driveway with their vehicle. He realized he needed to put a stop to this quickly and tried to set boundaries with them, to which they immediately started playing the victim. 

Bewildered, the homeowner turned to this online community to see if he was in the wrong for being so firm and direct with them. Readers encouraged him to stick to his decision, citing concerns like possible issues with liability should he turn a blind eye to their behavior.

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  • 01

    "AITA for asking my neighbor to stop using my driveway to park their car?"

    My neighbours (call them Bob and Linda) are an elderly couple in their 70ies who live in the house next to us. They are fine, although we don't talk at all. We live in a neighborhood where parking is a bit tight, and my driveway is right next to the street. (I don't own a car)
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  • 02
    Cheezburger Image 10523047936
    via Christian Bowen

    The image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 03
    Bob and Linda suddenly started to use my driveway, first for a couple of hours. and by now they are just straight up occupying it. They started using it without asking permission because it's convenient for them, but it's causing me some inconvenience. When I asked them to not park there, they got upset and said I was being too rigid. I just want my driveway back. AITA?
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  • 04
    Cheezburger Image 10523048192
    via Zachary Keimig

    The image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 05
    OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the a hole: 1. Asked my neighbours to not use my driveway. 2. Because they are an elderly couple and it makes life easier for them (obviously)
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  • 06
    chaisingsmitty In case this hasn't been said, you are liable if anything happens to them or their car while on your property. Put a stop to it before something happens.
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  • 07
    ecbail 3h ago NTA. Just because I'm not using it. doesn't mean it's theirs. That's not how property works ask next time.
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  • 08
    • Spiritual_Address_18 · 3h ago NTA. When they're not around, put a big potted plant in the middle of the driveway and put a "no parking" sign in front of it
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  • 09
    Snackinp... They chose their house, and the parking that came with it. They don't get to start using yours because theirs is difficult or inconvenient. Put some large *boulders up on the driveway to block their attempts. Edit: *Boulders
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  • 10
    slackerchic • 3h ago NTA. If you aren't using a spare bedroom you're paying for can they have that too? You got any groceries you don't plan to eat? WHEN DOES IT END BOB AND LINDA?
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  • 11
    No-Assignment5538 3h ago • NTA. You asked, when you should have told, and that didn't work. Tell them to stop using your drive or you will have their car towed. Don't make it sound optional. If they continue to park in your drive, follow through and have the vehicle towed. Edit to add: put it in writing, give them written, dated, witnessed notice that effective immediately they are to no longer use your driveway.
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  • 12
    Planeoldguy62 · 2h ago They are elderly? Wait until grandma slips getting out of the car in your driveway and breaks her hip. Guess who gets sued?
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  • 13
    gloryhokinetic • 3h ago NTA unless you continue to let a stranger dictate your life. I would tell them that next time they park in your driveway you will have it towed. Then when it happens HAVE IT TOWED.
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  • 14
    JustWowinCA · 3h ago • Ok neighbors. In self storage, car parking is about $75 per month. Offer me $100 a month for the convenience and we can talk. UNTIL then, stop parking here. Thanks. NTA
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  • 15
    LittleHouse82. 2h ago Bollards. Collapsible bollards that you can lock in place to lower when you want access to your drive but you can lock in place to stop people moving on or off your driveway. A bit like a good fence, a good bollard can keep a bad neighbour away... kind of anyway.
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