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I recently bought the property that's on the left in the pictures. On the right is a duplex (it's split front-to-back so it doesn't look like a duplex in the front). A renter lives in each of the duplex units to the right.
We have a shared driveway. One of the renters has these extra cars, sometimes they park them in their front yard, why I don't know. What I'm pretty sure is happening here is that one of the renter's extra cars, or possibly a guest but I don't think so, is interpreting that middle area in front of the tree as open for parking use. I'm not precisely sure where the line is, but I'm reasonably confident that car in the picture is about 3-4 feet on my side of the line.
I don't think this was a problem in the past. 1 owner was trying to sell both properties which he uses as rentals. That one on the right is still for sale (I couldn't afford both). The previous rental occupant of the house I bought and one of the renters (pretty sure the one with that car) knew each other well and seemed to share the whole space.
According to the plat, the driveway is split down the middle.
I don't want to go to war over this. It's not a big deal at the moment since I'm not living there and won't be for another 30-45 days while work gets done to the house.
If I did have to go war with the neighbors on this, I would have a survey done, draw a line or parking stripe to mark the property line, and inform them that any cars not authorized by me on my side of line would be towed.
What would be a more gentle, subtle way to deal with this?
My plan later on is to leave about 1 foot of asphalt on my side of the line, then tear up a strip of the asphalt 12-18 inches wide & put some flowers or plants there, or maybe even some fencing, since I'll eventually install privacy fencing on that whole side right of my garage.
I agree that they probably think that parking in front of the tree does not block access to your garage, or the driveway on the other property.
If it bothers you that much then put a fence up. If you just dig it up and plant something, they will probably just park on the plants.
Doing anything will likely start something with the neighbors. They were living there prior to you buying your house, and no one seemed to have a problem with it. While you are within your rights, you will probably look like a jerk trying to enforce your rights on a 2 foot strip of driveway.
I would definitely have a survey done and then put something up in that space to delineate the property line especially since the other home is for sale. You want to make sure that it is clear that this is your property.
And who cares if you look like a jerk for doing so. It's your property and you need to set the boundaries (and soon). Just google adverse possession!
The whiskey barrel is a great idea. Put three of them there with about 3 to 4 inches of small river rock on the bottom for weight and then fill them with flowers. Make sure they are on your side of the designated area. If someone says anything just answer "aren't they beautiful and doesn't that make the front look nice".
What we did one time was dig out about 2 inches deep and laid railroad ties down the ppty line. Worked great.
If you're in an HOA situation then you may need approval.
Get the property survey done and privacy fencing up if you plan to live there. You'll always be the outsider -- home owner vs. renter, new vs. old, etc. etc. If this bothers you now, it will bother you even more once you move in. Not criticism, just fact -- it would eat at me, too.
One four wheel vehicle and the whiskey barrels are pulverized potting soil and impatiens. Plus, they seem a little passive-aggressive vs. "Hi, new neighbors!"-ish to me.
A fence should be covered under your home owner policy if hit. If not, write it in if possible!
As long as it is an issue to you then it has to be settled. Get a survey done. Find where the property line actually is. While I personally do not like fences, it certainly is within your rights to install a fence along your property line. I suggest if you do so then make it an attractive one, not one simply to spite your neighbor.
Just to clarify NRaleigh Mom, I was not implying that red guard was being a jerk about wanting to do something about the driveway. I was just talking about what the neighbors are likely going to think.
The railroad tie or barrels is a great idea.
Have you tried just talking to them? From what you said they had some kind of agreement with the previous residents. Maybe if you just approach them and tell them that you have plans for the front of your property they will cooperate
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