Neighbors Neglect Leads to Neighbors Loss: AITA for Keeping Abandoned Lawmower?

Some people don’t recognize a favor, they just treat it like free inventory. This suburban neighbor drama started with a simple lawnmower loan, and somehow turned into a months-long vanishing act.

OP, a 28-year-old man, barely uses his lawnmower, so when Mark’s broke six months ago, OP said yes. Mark borrowed it, used it for a while, then his own lawn went completely out of control. When OP finally asked for the mower back, Mark stalled with “later” excuses, and then showed up evasive when OP went to his house.

Now OP is standing on a technicality, and Mark is furious about it, so here’s the full story.

Original Post

I (28M) live in a suburban neighborhood where everyone knows each other fairly well. My neighbor, Mark, has always been a friendly guy, and we've had a decent relationship.

About six months ago, Mark approached me asking if he could borrow my lawnmower since his was broken. I agreed since I don't use it very often.

For months, Mark used my lawnmower regularly, and I didn't mind until recently when I noticed he stopped taking care of his lawn completely. I asked him about it, and he mentioned some personal issues that kept him busy.

Fair enough. However, when I asked for my lawnmower back, he kept making excuses and saying he'd return it later.

Fast forward to now, and Mark's lawn is overgrown, and my lawnmower is nowhere to be found. I decided to go over to his house and ask for it directly.

When I brought it up, he seemed evasive and mentioned he might have left it somewhere. When I pressed him, he got defensive and said I should just get a new one since he's not sure where it is.

Feeling frustrated, I told him that if he couldn't find it, then it's considered abandoned, and I have every right to keep it. Mark got upset and said he'd look for it, but I'm not confident he will.

AITA for standing my ground and refusing to return the lawnmower?

Comment from u/crazy_cat_lady99

Man, that's messed up. It's your lawnmower, not his. NTA.

OP was fine with Mark borrowing the lawnmower until Mark’s own lawn stopped getting cared for while OP still had to wait for the return.

Comment from u/pizzaparty4life

NTA - Mark is taking advantage of your kindness. Stand your ground and get your property back.

Comment from u/AdventureAwaits2023

Honestly, he's had it for months and isn't taking care of it. Definitely NTA here.

When OP pressed Mark about getting his lawnmower back, Mark kept dodging and acting like “later” was an acceptable plan for months.

Comment from u/skydiver07

NTA. Mark is in the wrong for not respecting your property and dodging the issue. You have every right to get it back.

It’s the same boundary mess as the family who got upset after OP refused to help them move.

Comment from u/coffeefiend88

Mark needs to return your lawnmower, plain and simple. NTA.

Comment from u/dancingqueen24

NTA - he's being sketchy. Stand firm, OP. That lawnmower is yours.

That’s when OP went straight to Mark’s house and found Mark getting defensive instead of actually locating the mower.

Comment from u/football_mom_01

Totally NTA. Mark is in the wrong here for not being responsible with your property.

Comment from u/beachbum2021

You're definitely NTA. Mark needs to respect your belongings and return the lawnmower.

Mark’s final line, “just get a new one,” is what pushed OP to treat the mower as abandoned and keep it.

Comment from u/pizzaandbeer22

NTA - Mark is being unreasonable. Don't let him walk all over you. Get your lawnmower back.

Comment from u/mountainhiker365

NTA. Mark is being shady. Hold your ground and make sure you get your lawnmower back.

What would you do in this situation? Share your opinion in the comments.

Mark asked for time, but OP decided he’d been generous enough for one lawnmower.

Late-night emergency car request got messy too, see why OP refused to lend their car.