An elderly couple laughs together, representing the couple in the story.
Model representation.
Where should we draw the line between private property and community benefit?
In this story, an elderly couple began using their neighbor's driveway without asking. This behavior escalated, and they began using it as their regular parking space. The homeowner did not own a car, but he wanted to keep control of his own property. So, he demanded that the couple stop parking there. The neighbors retaliated and accused the homeowner of being inflexible.
The homeowner shared his frustration and appealed to readers for their advice in this Reddit post.
It's his private property, but considering he doesn't have a car of his own, is it unfair for the couple to want to park there?
I can't help but wonder whether the "It's mine" attitude isn't part of what has driven a wedge between us and our neighbors in the first place. There was a time and a place not all that long ago where we would have been more open to sharing for the greater good.
The neighbors are in the wrong for pushing boundaries and making entitled assumptions. Yet, the fact that the homeowner wasn't using the driveway, not owning a car himself, does make this less black and white.
Wouldn't it be the right thing to do from the outset to offer his elderly neighbors the parking space?
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)
The homeowner outlined the situation.
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?
Then explaining how his neighbors had started using the driveway without asking.
The original poster 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)
He then wondered if he was wrong for not allowing them to use it.
"Please do not block the driveway! Thank You!"
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.
NTA. Just because I'm not using it doesn't mean it's theirs. That's not how property works ask next time.
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
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?
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.
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.
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