Money Moral Dilemma: Should we help pay for the fence our new neighbours put up?

V7RNR

Ask them to invoice you for the amount they want, then instead of offering any payment, invoice them for the same amount for the old fence they took away

TheShape

When my neighbour said he was going to replace the 4 foot high fence between us, I offered to arrange and pay for it instead as a friendly gesture.  He agreed and I promptly installed a 6.5 foot fence.

In answer to the question, if they pulled down a perfectly good fence (and even if it wasn't perfectly good) without asking then absolutely don't pay.

Gummomarx

Since the previous fence was 'perfectly good', it would be nonsensical to pay anything - leaving aside the tyrannical aspect of it.

DRP

Absolutely no chance. 

candygirl

We went abroad for a month, n came back,  n neighbours had erected a new fence, n cut 2 mature cherry blossom trees down!!! 
Obviously I refused to pay towards it, as the old fence was fine, n the trees were beautiful  

indyuk

Hopefully a calm chat or letter, explaining your view point can resolve it, always better to at least be civil with neighbour. Having said that...

No, if it is theirs, there problem. If yours, criminal damage, if shared, need to ask. I would go to planning office to get clarity on boundary then get the fence off your property and put hedging in (and a cheap fence for a border!). 

Gresp

If your neighbours want to replace the fence without your agreement, they can pay for it. That's only reasonable.

If they disagree, tell them you'll contribute only if/when they can prove that you are responsible. If they can't, they'll have no leg to stand on. If they can, that'll be the least of their worries, as they will have incriminated themselves for criminal damage.

Rawlplug_2

There is no obligation in law to fence a boundary. So, it's up to you but you have no reason to share the cost, unless you want to be nice.

REJP

It is in my deeds that the fence on the left side of my property as I look out from the back door is my responsibility.  This is in agreement with a previous reply.
If it was in fact your fence that was taken down without your consent, it is criminal damage and should be replaced by the neighbours at their expense.
Regarding the request for you to contribute to the cost of the new fence, ask yourself if it was your fence and would you have had to pay to replace it?  If so, it would be nice of you to share the cost as it is saving you money.  If it is the neighbours fence as described in the deeds, you have no responsibility for it.
It depends on how much you want to be on good terms with your neighbours in the future.
Regarding a comment to make the fence higher, most Local Authorities limit the height of rear garden fences to 2 metres.  I don’t think it would be helpful if you cause friction with the neighbours by increasing the height.
Don’t act in haste though, you may be neighbours for a long time and need help with problems.
 If it saved me from paying for a new fence I would probably come to an agreement with the neighbours.

plinky

Not neighbourly. very ignorant on civil law and good will.
They should have asked you first. for input on fence replacement. 
Then if you agreed, a conversation on style, height , quality and who does the work.
If then you felt say , a simple farmer fence -posts and 3 open bars in wood do the job , then get a quote.
The neighbour might want a 6ft decorative panel, with lattice top, secured in concrete posts . they get a quote.
Split half your quote , and give them that value. If you like their idea, give more if you like, but not under duress.
Agree that they are responsible for the conduct of the installers, AND to your satisfaction for care , upkeep, and any damage whilst installation takes place. presto- civil harmony continues.
ps. its normal practice for the payer or responsible owner to get the  'good side' of any fence, as can be seen on so many new build estates, with basic placket fencing.