A neighbour has tried to ‘scare’ the resident next door into giving up their parking spot, despite it being on their own private property – but he managed to get the last laugh
A neighbour from hell is trying to “scare” the resident next door into abiding by a parking sign they planted in their parking spot. Though the parking spot is very much on the resident’s property, a wild move by their next door neighbour has them worried about what they may do next.
The resident, who chose to remain anonymous as they recalled the horror scenario, shared their disbelief at the new neighbour’s string of choices. Their troubling six months hit its peak when the neighbour planted a “no parking” sign right on their driveway. A post to the r/NeighboursfromHell Reddit page saw the member of the public explain their ongoing problems.
They said it wasn’t only the parking sign contention causing trouble but other issues such as missing tools, guests parking on their driveway, and now a tow truck.
The resident shared: “I have lived in this house for 5 years. The driveway is very clearly on my property. No easements, no shared access, nothing. My neighbour moved in about 6 months ago and immediately started acting like he owned the place.
“First it was taking my tools without asking, then it was his guests constantly parking in my driveway just for a minute. Yesterday I came home to find a giant ‘NO PARKING TOW AWAY ZONE’ sign planted right in the middle of my driveway. Brand new, shiny, professionally made.
“I thought it was some kind of prank. It was not. He came outside with a folder of papers and told me I was trespassing and if I parked there again he would call a tow truck. He even tried to hand me a fake looking notice with his signature on it like he was a landlord evicting me.”
Thankfully the resident didn’t back down after being threatened with the bogus claim, and told their neighbour to call a tow truck should they feel it was the only choice they had.
“I parked my car and told him to call whoever he wanted,” the resident wrote. “Ten minutes later an actual tow truck pulled up. Luckily I had already called the police because I knew it was going to escalate.
“The tow driver took one look, realised what was happening, and refused to touch my car. The officer told my neighbour that if he pulled another stunt like that he would be charged with harassment.
“Now he is sulking and blasting music at all hours like that is going to scare me. I am documenting everything because I have a feeling this is only the beginning.”
Members of the forum are now saying the resident is in the right, and that they will need to brace themselves for a battle with their neighbour.
One person suggested: “If he is blasting music at all hours, check your local noise ordinance. Here, it is illegal to make noise that is audible in another residence between 9PM and 9AM. If he’s violating that, call the police non-emergency number.”
Another added: “Don’t provoke, but most certainly distribute your findings amongst your neighbours. They likely also need to know what fresh hell just moved in.”
A third wrote: “Lock up your tools and establish visible boundary lines is possible, ie fence, shrubbery.”
Although it wasn’t clear where this issue occurred, in the UK it’s recommended trying to resolve neighbour disputes informally first by talking to them. You could also use a mediation service if this doesn’t work. If the issue involves a statutory nuisance, such as loud music, you could make a formal complaint to your council. If they are breaking the law by being violent or harassing you, you should contact the police.
