Driveway Easement/Access
I live at the end of a public street in a residential neighborhood. There is a private driveway/easement to 3 apartments and my single story home (rental). As you enter the private driveway (approximately 2 1/2 vehicles wide) immediately on your right is my lower driveway (access to the single car garage), then my front yard, then my upper driveway (access to the backyard), then a common driveway parking area for the tennants in the 3 apartments above me. I believe one of the 3 apartments is vacant and the other two are occupied. One of the tennants regulary occupies all or most of the available parking with their vehicles alone. They frequently have guests over who in turn park single file down the left shoulder of the driveway. I spoke with my neighbor opposite driveway. His home/driveway is separated by a four foot wall. He claims his property line actually extends into the access four my house and the three apartments. He claims it extends approximately one car width. He also states that the section of his property on our access is supposed to be used as an easement. My house property extends past my front lawn to meet his property line. I have been told by my landlord that it is my right to park on the access directly in front of my front lawn so long as I don't obstruct access to the upper properties. This was a moot issue initially as my landlord previously occupied one of the apartments. They have since moved and now we have the previously stated tennants above us. With these tennant parking down the left hand side of the access/easement it prevents my front entering or exiting my upper driveway. I have posted "No Parking Signs or else your vehicle will be towed at owners expense" across from my house to keep that section of the driveway clear. The tennants disregard my signs and continue to obstruct access. I have to repeatedly ask them to move or not park in that area. What options do I have? Legal rights? Is it appropriate for me to have posted the "No Parking" signs? Looking for some guidance. Thanks.
|