How should a landlord deal with a tenant who has taken over a shared driveway is the question this week for Ask Landlord Hank. Remember Hank is not an attorney and is not offering legal advice. If you have a question for him please fill out his form below.
Dear Landlord Hank:
My tenant has taken over my driveway with her SUV, picnic table, bike, scooter, and plastic pool.
Although there is room for three or four cars in the driveway, with all her paraphernalia, there is no way for me or my family or workers maintaining my house to use the driveway. What rights do I have? I have already told her I will not be renewing the six-month lease we signed.
Dear Landlady Fay,
The lease is the governing document of your landlord-tenant relationship.
There should be a vehicles clause stating that the tenant’s vehicle must be properly parked. There should be another clause relating to use of premises stating that tenant must keep premises clean and sanitary and not disturb residents or the peaceful and quiet enjoyment of the premises.
Your inquiry sounds as if the tenant is living in your house or on your property. Remember, it is your property and you are the boss. She is not in charge. You are, but you must work within your lease.
She is violating the lease if she has her belongings strewn all over your exterior. Give her a three-day notice to clean up her things. Is there a better place for her to put these items? Could her picnic table and children’s toys go in the back yard?
Good luck!
Sincerely, Hank Rossi
Each week I answer questions from landlords and property managers across the country in my “Dear Landlord Hank” blog in the digital magazine Rental Housing Journal. https://rentalhousingjournal.com/asklandlordhank/
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