Neighbor Requests Yard Waiver for Pool Construction: AITAH for Saying No?

AITAH for refusing to sign my neighbor's "Use of Yard" waiver? Find out how this homeowner navigates a tricky situation involving property rights and construction plans.

Davy

Published in Interesting
26 Mar 2025

Neighbor Requests Yard Waiver for Pool Construction: AITAH for Saying No?

Some people don’t recognize a favor until it comes with a waiver, a deadline, and the risk of wrecking someone else’s yard. In this Reddit post, a neighbor asked for permission to use OP’s yard to build a pool, even though the project could tear up grass, mess with irrigation, and potentially hit utilities.

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It’s not just the request that makes it messy, it’s the timing and the paperwork. The neighbors needed a 48-hour turnaround because they were leaving for Florida, and the waiver they offered had typos, wasn’t notarized, and left big questions about what “repairing the grass” even means. OP said no, politely, but the neighbor took it personally and stormed out, then the pool company manager showed up next.

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Now OP is stuck between “protect my yard” and “how do I stop this pool from turning into a months-long cleanup mission?”

Original Post

Last Thursday, my neighbors approached my wife regarding a Use of Yard waiver since they don’t have the clearance to move excavators and bobcats to their backyard to build a pool. The waiver states they need 10ft of clearance (4ft would be into our yard based on my measurements) and they would repair the grass to its original state.
I have an irrigation system and internet lines which run beneath the area which would be used. The neighbors were leaving for FL and asked for a 48 hour turnaround.
I spoke to the pool company on Friday and the PM said they need 10-12ft and they need the waiver because there is a good chance the ground will be totally torn up. It was my wife’s 30th birthday this weekend so this situation was not top of mind but my neighbor knocks on the door Saturday afternoon asking for a response.

I kindly explain I am not comfortable signing the current waiver given the typos, lack of notarization, and ambiguities regarding repairs. He takes it personally and storms out of the house complaining about how much money he is going to lose.
Today, the project manager from the pool company knocks on our door asking what they can do to resolve this. I told him I really don’t want my yard torn up but at minimum a new waiver needs drafted and I would consider it.
He then says we have an electrical easement which runs 1.5ft into our yard in the exact spot he wants to use and would just call for access. I check my plat design and deed to see there is NOT any easement running thru the area they need.

He leaves and the situation is still up in the air. Edit: thanks everyone for your input.
I had run this situation by many friends and colleagues and the answers were consistently “no” unless you can get outrageous stipulations and even so it is still a risk. At the end of the day, I don’t want to be dealing with the pool contractor or neighbor to return my yard and irrigation to its original state.

Property disputes often highlight underlying tensions between individual rights and community harmony.

Comment from u/SPlNPlNS

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Comment from u/CandylandCanada

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The neighbor shows up after OP’s wife’s 30th birthday weekend, and the “quick yes” ask immediately turns into a fight over a waiver with typos and unclear repair terms.

Negotiation strategies in conflict resolution emphasize the value of understanding each party's perspective to reach a compromise.

Comment from u/PlantManMD

Comment from u/Stranger0nReddit

When OP refuses to sign the original document, the neighbor storms out bragging about money he’s going to lose, like OP is the reason the pool won’t happen.

This reminds me of the debate over whether to lend money to a brother’s vegan cafe dream, especially when your savings are on the line.

Balancing Individual Needs with Community Expectations

Community living inherently requires a balance between personal desires and shared interests.

Comment from u/sharethewine

Comment from u/StAlvis

Then the pool company’s project manager arrives and claims there’s an electrical easement running 1.5 feet into OP’s yard, even though OP checks the plat and deed and finds nothing there.

Engaging in community meetings or discussions allows neighbors to voice their concerns and collaboratively establish boundaries.