When neighbors build fences, who's responsible for painting them?

Question

Here's the history. Years ago our next-door neighbor built a fence around their yard -- all four sides. Then the people who owned our house at the time built a fence around their (our) yard, only fencing on three sides because they could hook onto the existing fence on the fourth side. Then we bought the house and moved in.

Now, all the fences need to be painted. Who is responsible for painting what fence? Do we all just paint the parts that we (or the people who lived here before) built? Or do we each paint the side of the fence between us that faces us?

The fences are similar in style and color but not identical.

Answer 1

I think you and your neighbors should come to an agreement on the color, and then pull a Tom Sawyer and convince the neighborhood kids to paint ALL of the fence for you for free!

Failing that, paint all the sides that face you. Don't make a big thing.

Answer 2

Its not his responsibility to worry about your dogs unless the fence belongs to you and he took it down. If this has became a problem then you, not him, needs to put up a fence. Sometimes neighbors that both want a fence, will split the cost of it. He probally would not, just for the fact he doesn't really need one but you do. PS Now that I read your additional details, it changes the whole story. If you are positive that is your fence, he had a lot of gall taking it down. Did he ask your permission to do this? I would have a talk with him and tell him get it back up or else he'll be hearing from a lawyer, that should get some action.

Answer 3

Well, if you like your neighbor and want to keep up the good relations with them, you should walk over there and talk to them about it and come to an agreement as to the color and split of costs for painting the fence.
If you don't like your neighbors, just paint your fence and your side of his fence and let it go at that.

Answer 4

You should be able to paint what you see in your yard. I would paint the 4 sides surrounding my home. If I had been the neighbor that built the one side, I would not mind if you painted it, provided the paint is appropriate color match to my home if I can see it.
Be a good neighbor and let your neighbor know your intentions. The fence may be a sore subject to him if the previous owner of your house didn't pay for half.

Answer 5

Paint the part of the fence that you see.

Another Idea would be to discuss it with the neighbor who lives on the other side of the fence. He/she may have some good ideas for you.

Good luck!

Answer 6

paint the parts you can see. Wouldn't you hate it if your neighbor decided the fence should be obnoxious orange and didn't even bother to consult you b4 painting the both sides of the whole fence? You paint your side, let them do to theirs what they want.

Answer 7

Talk to your neighbor. If your fence is connected to the other one you may be on their property and they can tell you to take down that part. Better be nice.

Answer 8

Take the fences down and then plant shrubs. Oh, that won't work. You'll then have to figure out who trims what side of the shrubs. Argh!!!!

Answer 9

talk to your neighbor he may not mind you painting it ... but he can not paint your side since he cant reach it or have access to it... technically it is his fence.. you can put a fence up that butts up to his if you wish... but talk to them and see how they feel about you painting it...

Answer 10

depends whos land the fence is on. if the fence your neighbors built is on their land they can paint any side of it any color they want. even the side that faces your house. if its built on the line and is partly in your property you can paint your side of it the color you want, or you can make them move it. if they built the fence around their land and the fence is actually built in your yard, its your fence and you can do what you want with it, including making them move it.