landlord question?

Question

We rent a house from out landlord that lives right beside us.
Well, at halloween the neighboors across the street from us had a party and asked the landlord if they could use our driveway to par cars on it and she said it was ok and let us know.
well i just came home and the same neighbors were having another party and used our driveway. I was never told and i had to park my car on the street. theres enought for 3 cars in our driveway one for me and one for my husband and one extra. my husband car was in the driveway along with a really big suv that didnt make enough room for me so i had to park down the road.. whats your take on this?

Answer 1

I would be visibly upset and would want to talk with my landlord as soon as possible.
If it happens this one time without the courtesy of letting you know, it's going to happen again real soon.
Could your landlord perhaps be unaware that this happened?
Don't approach him/her in anger, but do let him know in a calm voice the inconvenience it caused you and your family and since you are paying rent that includes the driveway for parking "your" cars, the least he could do was to get your permission before telling your inconsiderate neighbors they can park there.
The fact is this...your neighbors are partiers and will have their friends over to participate...they will need someplace to park their suv's...and your driveway is just a little too convenient.
Unless this is quickly resolved, it's going to fester and grow within you into frustration and anger...and we certainly don't need anymore of that in these times.
Let your landlord handle it, avoid contact with those neighbors yourself unless the situation escalates to the point you must get involved.

Answer 2

Lets get back to basics.

When the landlord rents something to you part of the agreement normally is the right for quiet enjoyment. That you get to use the property and the landlord has no right to show up, enter, etc without notice UNLESS there is an emergency that is causing damage (burst water pipe).

The driveway may or may not be clearly spelled out in the agreement. It might be shared between two properties or it might be 100% for you use.

Assuming that it is 100% for use by the tenant that is renting the home (you in this case) then the landlord can not give permission to the neighbor. Technically you can have the vehicle towed if you find it in your driveway as they are trespassing. Best not to just call a towing service as legally you might need the police to play a role first.

Speak with the neighbor if you get a long well with them. Explain that they are trespassing even if they get permission from the landlord. That the landlord can not give permission as the rights belong to the tenant.

Speak with the landlord but get the lease out first. Maybe they are just a bit naive as to what they think a lease means. Or maybe they need to realize that they are violating the agreement. Note that in some states if a tenant is being harassed by the landlord the landlord can lose the right to file a notice to terminate or evict even if there is cause. Not something to really discuss but something to research if the relationship goes down hill. I would take the position that they likely do not realize that they have no right to offer the space to the neighbor.

Answer 3

I would complain to your landlord nicely and quote him in your lease agreement where it says you have rights to the driveway as part of your rental and that he can not do this again unless he askes you if it okay first and you also agree to let the neighbors use the driveway. He cant let people use your rented property while you are paying rent there just like he cant enter your home without giving 48 hour posted notice on your door, dont let him get away with it again cause he might just go further next time. good luck

Answer 4

The landlord cannot deprive you of the fair use of the property you have rented without permission and/or compensation.

First, I would write the landlord a letter complaining about your being deprived the use of your property for which you've paid rent.

You don't have to be nasty, but you have the right to demand that the circumstance not be repeated.

You can mail it to them and at that time, ask the post office for evidence of mailing. This will cost you about $1, and it just shows you mailed the complaint to them. Keep copies of the letter with the receipt.

The landlord may visit you over the problem. Be nice, but firm. You have the right to use the property to its full extent. Ask him if he'd like it if you told friends they could use his yard for a party without his permission.

In the end, be prepared to move. Some people are jerks, whether they are landlords or not.

Answer 5

Sue your landlord for partial eviction and throw on a bunch of other claims about emotional distress and unfair trade practices, etc... and then settle. Better yet, trip over their car, sue the landlord for negligence (because if it was negligent insurance pays) then, since insurance would rather settle than litigate if the price is low enough, settle for about 10k.

Answer 6

You aren't going to get "compensated" by anyone because you had to park your car on the street for one night.

Talk to your neighbor and explain that one of their guests took your spot and you had to park elsewhere. Ask them to please remind their guests to not park in your spot without asking first.