Growing up, we and the three adjoining homes shared a streetlight in the back yard. Seemed my dad was always in charge of being the collector/enforcer. The first owners were fine, but one house sold, and the new owners didn't always want to pitch in.

Dad had to be friendly and polite, but very frank, and it only took one year to get everyone playing by the rules again.

Are the terms of the easement ownership in writing? If so, then you probably should write up a friendly agreement and get them to sign it since you share ownership. Keep it polite and simple.

"In order to maintain the value of our neighborhood and properties, the access road we share rights to must be periodically maintained. The cost is $600 a year. This works out to $200 each. The $200 is due to me by June 1 of each year. If it is inconvenient to pay the entire $200 at once, you can send it to me in installments, from Jan - June, as long as the entire amount is paid by June 1. In return for splitting the cost, I will agree to ensure the sealing is done on time each year.

I agree to give you 1 week's written notice prior to the sealing, and once that notice is given, you agree not to drive on the road or get clippings on it for 24 hours afterward. Upon receiving the 1 week notice from me, you have 24 hours in which to notify me of any rescheduling needs, if the scheduled date doesn't allow you to comply with the no driving/no clippings."

I'm typing quickly so I'm sure the above could be cleaned up. It may be that they just assume that you'll keep doing it since it's been 9 years. It may be that just getting a little neighborly agreement to share in the cost.

Consult with your attorney. The easement rights and responsibilities should be in writing and part of the deeds to all the landowners involved.

Easement rights belong to the land.

Here is a link that might be useful: OUR NEIGHBOR WHO HAS EASEMENT RIGHTS TO HIS PROPERTY LOCATED BEHIND OUR HOME WILL BE SHORTLY SELLING HIS PROPERTY. DO WE HAVE ANY SAY AS TO WHO GETS THE EASEMENT

Check your deed to see what it specifically states regarding the easement.

Here is a link that might be useful: WHAT IS A

An easement gives someone the right to USE a piece of land but it is still OWNED by an owner. I'm curious which one of you owns it? I doubt it's mutually owned. It's probably not the landlocked owner, so I'm guessing you or Mr. Grass Clippings. Consult the chain of title and deeds if you aren't sure.

And unless the easement language provides for maintenance costs to be paid equally, you may not have anything enforceable to make them pay. I do like the idea of a new signed agreement though.

If necessary you could always stop plowing and sealing whatever parts you are not using yourself.