ULPT: Neighbour controlling the hallway

[u/DifficultTechnology4]

Hi! I have an old neighbour that completely destroys my mood everyday and I am done. She has been living in the building for ~40 years, basically controlling our hallway.

She puts whatever she wants to the hallway - there is a wooden sofa where she sits and smokes whole day, huge standing ashtray, shoe rack. She decorates the hallway the way she wants, puts carpets, plants. In winter she even puts a box of potatos there.

She absolutely never let me put any single small thing to the hallway. When I first moved I put a drying rack and she complained to the real estate guy. I understand the drying rack thing and I have never put it out again. However, I also want to put my shoerack outside, she always complained about it. It is a really small rack and I put it in a place where it bothers no one. Apart from complaining, she once screamed at me at 7am for this, and when I was out of country she took the rack and my shoes put into a plastic bag. My partner is tired of this so he put them inside and we keep them inside now.

A few days ago I washed my winter shoes and put them out in the corner, under a shelf, literally taking least possible place to dry. Today she tried to fight with me again "I have told this many times and I am not gonna repeat I don't want shoes here". I explained her that they are there to dry, and when I came back from work I see she put them in a plastic bag again. I am really frustrated and I want to do something.

The owner is abroad so real estate guy is managing the apartment. We have complained to him many times but he said he can't do anything, we have to solve it talking to her. And she is an old, crazy lady just try to get along with her.

What can I do? At this point I want to complain so her stuff - sofa is removed as well. Not sure if it would happen though, as she is living there for 40 years and I am not a local.

Edit: Just want to add few details: There is a Camera on her door recording whole hallway, so no I cannot piss on the couch. Also, I live in Europe.

[u/Junkateriass]

Put her stuff in bags. Don’t damage or throw anything away, just meet her energy. She acts that way because she’s been allowed by the other tenants to get away with it for years. She has all the power only because she has taken it. If you want to be her equal, you have to take it away and tell her that you are entitled to as much freedom to use the space as she does. The landlord will be useless. She’s been allowed to act like this forever. Either go toe to toe or accept it. Those are your only options.