Pennsylvania renter can't use the garage they're paying for because neighbor claims it after months of free access: 'She does not care'

Author image for Cata Holmes
Cata Holmes • Writer
Jul 23, 2026 11:45 AM EDT

Paying for a garage doesn't mean you get to use it.

What should have been a simple parking arrangement quickly turned into a nightmare for this Pennsylvania renter. Although their lease clearly includes exclusive access to a garage they pay extra for, a longtime neighbor refuses to give it up, blocks the entrance with her car, and ignores requests to move. To make matters worse, the landlord keeps promising to handle the situation without taking meaningful action, leaving the renter paying for a space they can't reliably use.

We can all relate to a crazy story about a disrespectful neighbor. Although most of the people next door can be happy, some could not be… and that's exactly what's happening to this renter from Pennsylvania. Previously, at his lease signing and him moving in, there was a lady who would use that parking spot that, at the time, was empty and not being used. However, when he later moved in, he decided to pay a little bit extra to access that space, but ended up realizing it was most of the time occupied with this lady's car and other belongings.

Of course, he reached out to the landlord and complained about it, but the man doesn't seem to care that much and is letting him find a solution on his own. The neighbor doesn't care too much as well and keeps using the spot like it was hers. And this is when the situation starts to get to me, because this is not being nice and is a form of disrespect: the fact that nobody cares that there's a person who is paying every month for something that is not working how it's supposed to be.

The community in r/Renters had a lot to say about this and shared some helpful information for the writer involved in this situation. Although I always preach that having a good relationship with neighbors is fundamental for living in peace, I do believe in respecting my own boundaries and claiming what is rightfully mine. Scroll down to read more about this story and let us know in the comments what your opinion is.

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  • A tenant weighs the next steps after a neighbor repeatedly blocks access to the private garage they pay to use.
    via Unsplash+ (via Mina Rad)

    A tenant weighs the next steps after a neighbor repeatedly blocks access to the private garage they pay to use.

    Image is a representation of the people and events described

  • Basically I moved into a duplex with one garage. My landlord owns both units and only 1 has a garage. The other tenant did not want to pay for it but was allowed by the landlord to use it while the other unit remained vacant.
    via soupforbees
  • Other unit which is now MY unit. It's in my lease that I get access to the garage and that I pay extra for it and the landlord has told me that it is not in the other tenants lease.
    via soupforbees
  • However she does not care and told me she's been using the garage for months. She will often continue using it and I cannot park my car. If I somehow get it in there, she will often block off the garage and park infront of it on purpose.
    via soupforbees
  • I have had to take Ubers to work. I also do not know how you guys are calling tow trucks because whenever I call any company they say uhhhhh landlord has to call we can't come out. When I tell him to call he just says he'll speak to the tenant. I also don't want to risk her damaging my car. It has not got to that point.
    via soupforbees
  • It has not got to that point. She will often ignore me if I try to knock on her door to ask her to move her car and won't answer. If i somehow get the space she has like 5 kids and she has them throw the ball at my door and play music extra loud.
    via soupforbees
  • I can't say for sure she's telling them but it ONLY happens on days where I'm in the garage. The landlord is pushing me off but keeps saying he'll deal with it. She's being such a pain what the heck can I do? I'm 22, live alone, and very quiet. I don't wanna deal with this lady. This only started a few days after moving in, at the apartment tour and such it seemed chill and like she understood.
    via soupforbees
  • A reserved parking space highlights the frustration of apartment renters who lose access to amenities included in their lease.
    via Unsplash+ (via Tom Chrostek)

    A reserved parking space highlights the frustration of apartment renters who lose access to amenities included in their lease.

    Image is for illustrative purposes only.

  • Born-Ad4658 Tell your landlord they need to get a towing system set up
    via soupforbees
  • Princess Jasmine420 Tell the landlord that you will not be paying for the parking space if he won't enforce the terms of the lease. You can also call police to have the vehicle towed, but you will need to show proof that you rent the space.
    via soupforbees
  • JerseyGuy-77 Let the landlord know that he's breaking the lease by not fulfilling his responsibilities. If you don't care about moving I'd push it that far. He might not be able to fix the other tenant and then you may be able to get out of the lease.b
    via soupforbees
  • andmewithoutmytowel You need to make this the landlord's problem. Look at the lease and read it carefully. Keep track of days you are not allowed to park in the garage or can't get out of it. I'd withhold paying that pro-rated part of the rent for the garage and tell the landlord.
    via soupforbees
  • dogmom44077 This is called a Reduction of Services- look it up and send a statement to the landlord, in writing then go from there
    via soupforbees
  • stein63 Your landlord is charging you for exclusive garage access while allowing another tenant to take it away. Document every incident and expense, then demand in writing that the lease be enforced or the garage fee refunded. Don't withhold rent without local legal advice, but stop accepting "I'll talk to her" as a solution.
    via soupforbees
  • Just-Like-My-Opinion Honestly, just tell your landlord if this issue isn't resolved in a week, you will consider the lease broken and be looking for somewhere else to live.
    via soupforbees
  • Norph 1988 Renegotiate the lease or sue to cancel lease.
    via soupforbees
  • pgqwe1 If she is blocking alleys or sidewalks with her shenanigans the police or code enforcement should be responding because that is actually illegal (at least where I live). Check to see if you can report it online with attached pictures.
    via soupforbees
  • A frustrated renter considers their options after repeated parking disputes with an uncooperative neighbor and an unresponsive landlord.
    via Unsplas+ (via Mina Rad)

    A frustrated renter considers their options after repeated parking disputes with an uncooperative neighbor and an unresponsive landlord.

    The individual pictured is a model used for illustration.

  • EdC1101 Call police ? Have your lease, including garage use/access in hand. (Police could ticket ? But would create legal record of complaint.) Fire Marshall, blocking emergency access/ exit ... (Fire Marshall will definitely get LL attention.)
    via soupforbees
  • Trailertrucker95620 Get a lawyer and file a breach of contract lawsuit. Sue them for the amount of the extra you're paying for the garage. Also sue for the cost of your lawyer and court costs! Make sure you have photos of contents of garage, the car parked in your spot.
    via soupforbees
  • Far Vermicelli9678 Tell the landlord to put it in her lease and to charge her for it instead of you and just cut your losses
    via soupforbees

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