Right of Way Access End Terrace

Norman_Castle

Could you put a bell on the gate with a sign asking people to ring it before opening because the dog doesn't like surprises.

A spring door closer would also help to ensure the gate is kept closed.

gingercordial

You could check the deeds at the Land Registry for £3 as to what exactly is allowed and by whom.  But it will probably say they have the right to come and go for access on foot as they please - this would also be a right they can extend to their guests in order to reach their back door.

The best way is to speak to your neighbours and try to get on friendly terms with them, and discuss it, and ask for them to knock/text you if there are strangers coming.

We had this at our last rented flat.  The neighbours were nice, and would text us to let us know if they were having deliveries through our garden (eg big bags of soil or whatever) or if someone was coming round (during Covid restrictions when not wanting to have guests coming through their house) but otherwise did not need to let us know if it was just them going back and forth with garden waste to their bins, which meant I did have to get used to always putting a dressing gown on to make my morning cup of tea.  

sammyjammy

moneysavinghero said:

Maybe the best approach would be to just speak to the neighbour in a friendly way and point out what happened (im sure their parents have already told them) and request that visitors don't use the ROW unattended.

I have ROW across the back of my neighbours house, that was why I purchased the end house as I didn't want anyone walking across my path kitchen window.  If one of my neighbours insist I announce my intention with a "just popping through" I'd laugh in their face, most people in my street don't use the front door so its a very common occurrence.

theoretica

Your neighbour's parents may not have known that you had moved in.  But it is rather likely to happen with terraces - it was parents this time, it may be window cleaners next time (whether or not there is a formal right of way). 

moneysavinghero

sammyjammy said:

moneysavinghero said:

Maybe the best approach would be to just speak to the neighbour in a friendly way and point out what happened (im sure their parents have already told them) and request that visitors don't use the ROW unattended.

I have ROW across the back of my neighbours house, that was why I purchased the end house as I didn't want anyone walking across my path kitchen window.  If one of my neighbours insist I announce my intention with a "just popping through" I'd laugh in their face, most people in my street don't use the front door so its a very common occurrence.

That's why i suggested 'in a friendly way' rather than just stomping feet and insisting.

user1977

elsien said:

if she's not answering at the front there's a good reason so please don't try to sneak in round the back.

...........

ElleT711

Norman_Castle said:

Could you put a bell on the gate with a sign asking people to ring it before opening because the dog doesn't like surprises.

A spring door closer would also help to ensure the gate is kept closed.

Great idea re spring door! Thanks.

ElleT711

gingercordial said:

You could check the deeds at the Land Registry for £3 as to what exactly is allowed and by whom.  But it will probably say they have the right to come and go for access on foot as they please - this would also be a right they can extend to their guests in order to reach their back door.

The best way is to speak to your neighbours and try to get on friendly terms with them, and discuss it, and ask for them to knock/text you if there are strangers coming.

We had this at our last rented flat.  The neighbours were nice, and would text us to let us know if they were having deliveries through our garden (eg big bags of soil or whatever) or if someone was coming round (during Covid restrictions when not wanting to have guests coming through their house) but otherwise did not need to let us know if it was just them going back and forth with garden waste to their bins, which meant I did have to get used to always putting a dressing gown on to make my morning cup of tea.  

Yes, I will have a chat with them once I have a better understanding of what the access actually entitles them to. I am easy going and have never had a problem with any neighbours, so wouldn't make an issue out of it. I think it's how unexpected it was to just see random people in our garden when you think you are in the privacy of your own home. It was uncomfortable.

elsien

user1977 said:

elsien said:

if she's not answering at the front there's a good reason so please don't try to sneak in round the back.

...........

The conversation with my parent did go something along the lines of "if you don't want to embarrass all off us by catching us in flagrante on the kitchen table please do not let yourself in if there is no answer."
It worked. 

ElleT711

theoretica said:

Your neighbour's parents may not have known that you had moved in.  But it is rather likely to happen with terraces - it was parents this time, it may be window cleaners next time (whether or not there is a formal right of way). 

Definitely obvious we were in. Cardboard boxes in the front garden ready to go to the tip, and garden furniture out, as well as a gazebo up. Good point about window cleaners - never lived in a terrace so this is a steep learning curve.