easement and locked gate

[KByers]

Washington state; the neighbors have an easement on our land to use as a driveway. Recently they put a locked gate across the road. We are now denyed access to the road on our property. What are our rights? Can we remove the gate? Thankyou

 

[HomeGuru]

Cut the lock, remove the gate, etc. The property is still yours even though there is an easement.

 

[KByers]

Thanks for the fast reply. One concern - could we be responsible for the monetery (sp) value of the gate if we take it down and it is destroyed in the process?

 

[HomeGuru]

Yes. That is why you give them advance written notice to the effect of....if you do not remove the lock and the gate by May/x/01 we will have them removed and all costs incurred will be billed to you. In addition, we will not be held responsible or laible for any damages incurred as a result. Please be a good neighbor and comply or we will be fored to take legal action. Substitute last sentence: Move the damn gate by next week Saturday, or else!