am i legally bound to repair my property fence or can my neighbour legally force me to do it?

Answer 1

The answer to that is if the Posts are on your side, its your fence and it is legally your responsibility to keep it in good repair. But it is always best to try to keep on the good side of any neighbour, you never know, you might need their help one day

Answer 2

Unless you or your neighbor have paid for a professional surveyor to conduct a property survey, it probably a guess as to whose side the fence is actually on. It might meander back and forth.

Assuming you want to remain on good terms with your neighbor, you should both share the cost of repairs, since you both equally benefit from the fence. And if you are involved in the design process and choosing the contractor, you have some control in the outcome and costs.

Can your neighbor force you to repair the fence? Probably not -- unless your homeowner's association or city or county has specific regulations requiring it. However, if you have a hazardous condition in your yard (dangerous dog, toxic chemicals, etc.) you could be liable if his or her children or guests enter your property through a broken fence and injure themselves.

It's more of a case of applying common sense, than deciding if the law permits you to ignore a problem.

Answer 3

IF the fence is beyond repair it is a good idea to come up with some sort of arrangement but you are not legally bound.

Answer 4

If the fence is on your property, he cannot force you to do anything with it.

however, if you live in a town or subdivision that has rules about it, they may not allow a broken fence or a fence that looks bad. In that case they could force you to repair it. But this would come from the subdivision board or city government, not your neighbor.

Answer 5

I am in a simular situation myself. like the people say try to keep good relations. Renters took down a property line fence one day while I was at work. Never replaced it said they were gonna upgrad..cool ) moved out, now no fence. I'll keep an eye on this one.

Answer 6

Usually no. You can do whatever you want within your property. If the neighbor does not want to see your "ugly" fence, he can elect one within his property. He has no rights to tell you what to do within your property line.

Usually, a fence exists in someone's property entirely. It should not cross the property line. If it does, then whatever the portion that protrudes into his property is considered a gift from you and it is now technically his. He can make you remove it, or he can do it himself.

However, home owner's association (if you have any) can require you to maintain your fence. Local zoning ordinance can also require you to the same.

Answer 7

Depends on what is written in the deeds to your house. Normally if it is your boundary then it is up to you what you have there, however sometimes special clauses are written into the property deeds insisting that you maintain the fences or hedges you are responsible for in a good state of repair.

Answer 8

if you have the money to do it then i would ask your neighbour to pay half of the cost. that way you both win.

my neighbour is responsible for our fence but i paid half toward new panels.

why? because it's worth keeping good relations and now it looks great. we are both happy.

neighbour disputes can get very ugly, try to keep the piece, if you don't have the money tell them so, you may be surprised by a bit of understanding,
good luck x

Answer 9

you need to check the paperwork what came from your purchase of the house from solicitors. It should be on the deeds I think. Normally, speaking to the neighbour nicely helps to have some mutual agreement to pay half each would be a fair comment if you are that skint. Otherwise just do the fence yourself if absolutely necessary!

Answer 10

Yes he can, I know someone had the same trouble, in the end he poured petrol on it and burnt it down. It set fire to his neighbours shed , it cost him thousands in court.If it is Your fence, on your left looking down your garden, if its ropy you should just fix it, a bit of wood, a few nails, some shellac, be a lot cheaper in the long run.