House boundary lines?

joe2cool

Hi just wondering if anyone can help? I've just found out that a boundary line which as a 6ft fence & was erected by the previous owner of our house, actually should have been the responsibility of our neighbour. Seemingly before we bought the house our neighbour had only put up a small wire fencing between the 2 houses , preferring it to be quite open. So the people we bought the house off took it upon themselves to put up a 33 meter 6 ft fence for more privacy. Over the years I've done various repairs, but now it needs completely pulling down & replacing (Thx to Bertha). I had always assumed it was our boundary line responsibility, because we never received any deeds. Our other neighbours can also confirm who's responsible for the boundary line. 'am I within my rights to pull down the fence & give the responsibility back to our neighbour? The fence could never be repainted when required on our neighbours side due to trees/bushs in the way. They obviously didn't want the Fence in the first place & covered it. So if if I put up a new fence it would be impossible to maintain on our neighbours side due to the trees & bushes. I wondered why our neighbour was quiet when parts of the fence lent over into their garden.

Appreciate any advice


Thx

bris

There is no legal obligation for anyone to put up a fence, if the neighbours aren't interested it's up to you whether you want to repair or replace it yourself.

This is of course if it is not written into the deeds for maintaining a boundary, not un heard of but unusual, but even then there would be no need for a 6 foot high wooden fence.

Be careful boundary disputes can cost much more than the cost of a fence and you would need to declare the dispute if you ever want to sell.

forgotmyname

Exactly as above you can pull down the fence but if they dont want to put one back you may regret that.

A few weeks ago someone posted pictures of what was left of a hedge after a neighbour chopped it all down.
The posted complained to them about the height. But got a shock to find the neighbour gutted the entire lot leaving the border fairly open.

joe2cool

Hi thanks for quick comments....realise even though its their boundary line they don't have to put up a fence. But at this stage I would go along with what ever they put up (probably just a wire fencing) because I could put up trees/bushs on my side like they have always done. Just wondered 'am I within my rights to pull down the fence & give the responsibility back to our neighbour?

forgotmyname

Your fence. Do what ever you want but do think about the "what if"

They may do nothing at all not even give the lack of a fence a 2nd thought.

Do they have animals or children that may decide your garden is fair game also?

martinthebandit

Just a thought but how about chatting with your neighbours about it?




.......although not in a 'if I do this you must do that' way