How can I go about asking my new neighbor to help me pay for a fence?

Question

My husband and I just moved into a new house that did not have a fence in the backyard. We were told by our relator that the other house that occupied the space was vacant and so we found where the property line was and built a fence. We have 2 dogs so a fence was necessary in case someone did decide to occupy the other house. We have come to find that there are people living in the house. We spent over $1000 in materials and my husband built it, so there were no labor costs. We would have discussed fence possibilites with this neighbor had we known they were there. How do we go about asking for a portion of the costs? We dont expect them to pay for half since they had nothing to do with the decision making.. but some money would be appreciated.

Answer 1

why would they owe you anything? if they want to hook on to your fence then charge them. its your fence, not theirs. if they wanted one they would already have one. your story seems to leave something out. was the thousand dollars for your whole yard? must be big. so you think these people(that you didnt know lived there) have one of 4 sides fenced and you want money.. doesnt make sense.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, you should have done some more homework before building your fence. Such as checking to see who owned that property and if there are any regulations or ordinances in your community. Many communities require fence permits -- for example, our community requires that any fencing on the property line between two properties has the consent of the neighbor to the design and style of the fence. However, the neighbor has no obligation to pay for that fencing. If the neighbor does not consent to the fence, then I would be required to pull the fence onto my side by five feet and then I could build what I wanted (as long as the permit was approved by the city).

As you decided you wanted/needed a fence, you are responsible for the cost. While you can certainly ask your neighbor if they want to pitch in on the cost, I would not expect any help in that area.

I just don't understand why you feel that, since the house is actually occupied, that the neighbor has any fiscal responsibility. If the house had NOT been occupied, but someone moved in two weeks later, then would you be asking them for money now? It makes no sense.

Answer 3

you needed a fence for your dogs and one side (25%) is on this neighbors side of the property, and you think that they should owe you something? you are not clear just how this neighbors house occupies what space? would you be willing to take up the fence and turn it so that the good side faces your neighbor if it isn't a chain link fence? by the way, most areas require a one foot set back on fences, unless both parties agree to place it on the property line. you could have built a kennel and dog run, should they have to chip in for that if you did? well i hope that you took out the proper permits before you installed the fence, and checked out the local zoning regulations or when the neighbors get your "bill" they could cause trouble for you with the town. lots'a luck!

Answer 4

I agree with Samm! We had a similar situation years ago. We had a dog that my son had to have, and keeping him on a chain is cruel, in my view. I asked my neighbor if he would help pay for the materials, and I would supply all the labor. The neighbor just laughed at me, and slammed the door in my face. I proceeded to gather the materials, and one weekend, invited several friends over to help me erect the fence. We knew where the property pins were, and set up a stake at the end and pulled a string down the property line, so that it would divide exactly on the line. We dug the post holes, and set all the poles, and poured our concrete. We took a break for lunch, and when we came back, ready to start installing the pickets, my neighbor was inspecting our work. I asked him how it looked, trying to be hospitable. He answered me by saying there was a city ordinance requiring that a fence dividing two houses, had to have one "clean" panel looking at my yard, and then alternate back and forth to its termination. Since it was the weekend, and we hadn't checked if there were any ordinances, we complied with his request. His fence on the other side was that way, so we didn't see anything wrong. Later we talked with his neighbor, and found out that the same senario had occurred with his fence. My wife got suspicious and called the city, and their answer was, "You fell for that? We don't have any fence requirements!" When I told the other neighbor what we discovered, the two of us went to the offending neighbor. When we told him we would like some type of compensation for our efforts, again he just laughed and slammed the door. The other neighbor started taking the fence down, to put up the "good" clean side facing him, when the offending neighbor called the cops, stating "his" fence was being taken down. Before it was over, the offending neighbor had a lawyer, and luckily we moved. so I don't know what the outcome was. I would sit and enjoy your fence, and remain casual with the neighbor.

Answer 5

I would write a letter, and explain everything to her, that you just explained, to all of us... And address it to her, in a formal envelope.. and either "Knock" first, and if she doesn't answer, then put it in her door slot, or her mail slot on her door if she has one.. Requesting for her to help pay half, since her "property line" is also involved in this situation.. My mom, and her neighbor always work things out, when it comes to their "property-line", and this is how all neighbor's are suppose to do.. I would also mention how things were before you did something about it, and how now that there living there you would appreciate some sort of help being that you did give them their own "privacy" before moving in.. And how much it ended-up costing your family.. That had you not had the fence bought and paid for, and put up there, it would look as though you all shared your yards.. Make the letter look as though it would have all been alot of inconveinence, for all involved had your family not done something about it.. This may very well make them "Grateful" for what you did do, and be more than "happy" to accomidate your family for making things more "Suitable" before they came.. Good Luck to you.. Also, you could bake some cookies up and walk over with your children if you have any, and introduce yourselves first, and then take it from there, but assure her you will respect her privacy, and this is simply to break the ice, and inform her of the things your family did to your "mutual" property.. That you appreciate a "phone call" first, and would have phoned her first, but being that she's knew in the neighborhood, you needed to come to the door, just this time.. That next time you will be sure to call first, being that alot of people want their "privacy" respected, and so forth.. Best of Luck to you & your's! Smile!! It'll all get worked out , you'll see...

Answer 6

You can certainly approach them, but, I wouldn't hold my breath.