The fence in the back yard on the left side of the house (facing into the back yard and the East side) fell down. I want to do the right thing and so does my neighbor, but we cannot figure out whose fence it is. It is only that side, and the actual fence faces out to us, meaning the usual outside of the fence is facing our house and the crossbeams and the posts faces my neighbor.
2007-03-02 04:40:00 · 15 answers · asked by Ikaris1 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Our fence fell down, we each paid for half, and the husbands did the labor. Our fence alternates between what side has the crossbeams facing, so there is no question that it belongs to both houses. This is called a good neighbors fence. The good side, no beams or posts showing, is usually the owners side, so in your case it would be your fence. Hopefully you have a good neighbor that will split the cost with you since you both benefit from having the fence up.
2007-03-02 04:52:25 · answer #1 · answered by Gary S 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The general rule is if both are benefitting from the fence and acknowledge like it seems that you two do, then you should both do whatever to replace the fence to equal satisfaction. That's the common practice in the years I've worked in real estate.
The other rule is that a fence is built by an person who wants it most the framing is on the person who wants the fence , in other words the nicer or smooth side of the fence is on the person who don't care about the fence.
Another rule of thumb is that a fence is usually built about six inches inside of the owners property. So a glance at your plat may reveal further details.
2007-03-02 14:07:54 · answer #2 · answered by telwidit 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1. Check the property line. The fence is probably on one side or the other.
2. If the cross beams are facing his side then it's probably his fence.
3. Check the information with your deed, it may list the fence if it is yours.
4. Don't split the cost if at all possible. Not to be mean but because it can cause trouble in the future. Let's say it was his but you payed for half. Now he decieds he wants to remove the fence and do something else like bushes. You don't like bushes and because you payed for part of the fence you don't feel like the fence should be replaced... Just too much possiblity for good neighbors to become angry with each other. If he owns it and pays for it then he can do as he pleases with it. It would be nice to talk to you first but if it's his he really wouldn't even have to.
2007-03-02 13:23:56 · answer #3 · answered by John 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Easy or not? When a fence is placed between a division of property, nice neighbors split the cost because they both want a fence. Cheap owners rely on the neighbor to pay. There is no law saying a property has to have a fence. You can pay for the fence and have the nice side facing your property. You both pay and have it flipped every so often or leave the space open and see who can stand without the longest. Just because the fence was there before you, does not hold any legal ramifications for fixing now. Maybe have a weekend get together and both take care of fence and salvage what you can.
2007-03-02 12:52:39 · answer #4 · answered by majesty 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because of possible liability issues somebody needs to claim ownership of the fence.
As a rule the finished side of the fence faces the neighbors property but the entire fence is on your property. This actually makes sense because it will alow you to build the entire fence while still being on your property.
As another poster mentioned get a plot survey and see where the actual property line is- you may be surprised.
2007-03-02 22:30:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on where the fence was installed...vis a vis each property line and based solely on the information you gave as to the fence itself...the fence is yours as the 'pretty' part faces into your yard and the crossbeams into his side.
In my townhouse neighborhood fences belong to both sides with the exception of the back fence....and are constructed along the property lines...and have no crossbeams per se...each homeowner is responsible equally for repair costs
2007-03-02 12:50:26 · answer #6 · answered by sage seeker 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
how am I suppose to tell you who's responsible for repairing your fence you must know who's yard it's in. Just be the bigger person and put the fence back up and your neighbor should help you.
2007-03-02 13:01:43 · answer #7 · answered by heavenlli_61 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think your question should be do you want a fence back up to separate your property and to give you privacy. If you don't want a new fence put back up just let it be. Who ever has dog needs to put up a fence.
2007-03-02 13:25:54 · answer #8 · answered by mikeag21 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will have to determine where the property line is relative to the fence to figure out who owns it. Usually a registered survey shows the distance from the buildings to the lot line at the corners of the building. From that you can determine where the fence is relative to the lot line.
2007-03-02 12:47:50 · answer #9 · answered by frozen 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Wouldn't it be neighborly for both of you to shake hands and work together on a weekend and fix the fence? Fences make great neighbors and both families will benefit from the endeavor.
2007-03-02 12:50:19 · answer #10 · answered by Patches6 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋