No easement on record to garage, fix it up or not?

[Matt M.]

Hey all,

Not sure if this is the correct forum to ask, but hopefully someone or many will see and be able to advise.

I own a rental half double that includes a huge 2 story detached garage. There is a tiny alley from the street to the garage (and the side of the house behind mine). It ends at my garage, heading to the grass behind the house 2 houses down. According to tax records, the alley is owned by the house 2 houses down, I’m not even sure he realizes he owns it, bought in 1979. I rent out the upper 2.5 car garage, I use the lower level. Garage is solid but rough looking, needs siding desperately but I’m leery about putting $ into it as one day this guy could block off the alley which renders the garage basically useless.

What do I do to protect my investment and my garage? Is the access grandfathered?