Being Careful With Other People's Money: Difference between revisions

# If a person parks in a spot, in a manner that the owner of the parking lot would not approve of, such as blocking the entrance or exit, it is considered an act of stealing.<ref>Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 58</ref>  

# It is prohibited to block a private driveway by parking or double parking in front of the driveway, but this is not considered stealing.<ref> Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 59</ref> If someone blocks your driveway, and you have tried to tell them not to park there and they continue to nevertheless, one is permitted to call the police to tow the car away.<ref>Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 59 note 142 in the name of Rav Elyashiv. regarding damaging a double-parked car, see [https://www.businesshalacha.com/en/newsletter/double-parked-damage Business Halacha Institute]</ref>

# It is not considered stealing to borrow an item that will surely not be damaged from use, that nobody objects when others borrow it. For example, since nobody minds when you use their hanger, sit on their chair, or wash your hands with their washing cup, it is not considered stealing to borrow it. <ref> S"A Harav Hilchot She'ela Seif 5 based on Ritva Baba Metzia 41a, Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 59. However, he writes that if the owner is around, one should still ask permission </ref>However, if a significant minority would object, even if not the majority, it may not be used without permission.<ref> S"A Harav Hilchot She'ela Seif 5, Shu"t Igrot Moshe OC 5:20:5, Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 60 </ref> Certainly, if the owner is standing there and objects to your usage, it would be stealing to use it anyway.<ref>Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 60 note 145, Maharsham 227 </ref> Additionally, if the borrower is aware of some reason that the owner might object, he may not use it without his permission.<ref> Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 60</ref>  

# If it is clear that the owner does not object, one may borrow the item without permission. For example, if in the past one regularly borrows a particular item, it indicates that the owner does not object, the person may use that type of item without asking permission.<ref>Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 61 </ref>