Which side of my garden boundary am I responsible for?

Question

The fence has blown down and I want to know who should cough up the dough to mend it!!

Answer 1

Have a look at your property plans, if you have them. It is normally the one on the left - and if the fence has been put up properly, you know which one is yours, because it should fence in your property - ie the fence posts should be on the outside, and the "pretty bit" on the outside, facing your neighbours. You should be able to see the inside and struts of your own fence. On the right hand side you should have the "pretty" side - ie if it is larchlap or wooden, just the wooden slats again, and no posts. Good luck!

Answer 2

Not a simple question at all. If you can find a deed plan ownership might be indicated by a "T" mark within the garden which owns the boundary. However there is a dfifference between a boundary which is an imaginary line dividing 2 properties and a fence which is the physical indicator of that line. Thus if you put up the fence but the boundary is your neighbour's, the fence remains your property but the boundary is still his responsibility. Whilst ownership of the left hand fence is commonest it is by no means a certainty. Different ways of putting up fencing as mentioned by others is an indicator of ownership but also not definitive. Unless specifically stated in the deeds there is in fact nothing which requires that a fence be erected or maintained so you don't have to do anything at all except make sure that any animals, children etc. do not stray into next doors garden and he must do the same. So you don't have to do anything but lawyers and surveyors love a good boundary dispute as no one but them gains so try and reach an amicable agreement based on the deeds if available.

Answer 3

In Scotland the dividing fence is usually common property that is you are 50/50 responsible.
In England it is often decided by which side the posts are on as these are generally on your property and you are responsible.
BUT only a look at the title deeds will give you the correct answer.

Another wrinkle which will change matters is whether it is a fence, a hedge, a wall or a retaining structure. Different rules apply.

Answer 4

whatever is on your property. if the fence stands on your side then u can reerrect it or take it down completely. if it stands on your neighbours land then it belongs 2 them, they can repair it if they want 2 or not. if they choose not 2 and u want a fence between you then u will have 2 put one up and yes u have guessed it , u will have 2 pay for it. u can ask your neighbour 2 contribute and most will but they don't have 2,, good luck. remember it depends whose land the posts are driven into.

Answer 5

In the uk its normally the left side, ie, as you face your house from the front everything on the left. at least thats the way with the 56 properties that i own here.

Answer 6

Its normally the left side. Sometimes people take it on themselves to do both.