The neighbor has cut down the fence.

slackgarry

Next door have taken down part of the fence so he can gain access to his shed for painting.
Looking on the Land Registry documents, It doesn't indicate who owner is. This happened 2 months ago, Haven't approached him because i was expecting it to be put back again.

Now the gentleman is in his ninety's and i don't want to go round and tackle him about this, incase he suffers a heart attack.

What's my options ?

eddddy

Typically, a fence belongs to whoever paid for it and put it up.

• So if you (or a previous owner of your house) put it up, it would be yours.

• If the neighbour (or a previous owner of the neighbour's house) put it up, it would belong to the neighbour.

If you know exactly where the boundary is, that should give you a big clue...

• If the fence is just inside your boundary, it's likely to be yours

• If the fence is just inside your neighbour's boundary, it's likely to be the neighbour's

The best solution might be to ask the neighbour what their plans are (if any) for replacing the fence.

• If it's their fence, it's up to them whether they want to replace any of it. 

• If it's your fence, I guess they should have asked you before taking it down, and they should really reinstate it as it was

If it's their fence and they have no plans to replace it, you could put up a new section of fence - just on your side of the boundary.

(And/or you can see if your neighbour wants to come to some kind of voluntary agreement to share the costs etc.)

theartfullodger

Any gentleman (or -lady) who is up for painting their shed when in their 90s deserves admiration, IMHO.

Artful (76.... )

Cherryfudge

I don't think it needs to be confrontational. As mentioned above, if the neighbour has done the work themselves, they probably aren't going to keel over at the mention of it. There might of course be history that I'm not aware of, if the two of you haven't got on, but if so, this is an opportunity to try to put it right and you never know, the two of you might get on okay.

You aren't necessarily giving them negative feedback: after ninety years, 2 months is quite a short time and the weather's not been the best so perhaps they don't see it as overdue?

I can see from your point of view it needs to be done, and that's fair. Keep a look out for them in the garden and start with a cheery greeting when you see them! You are Mr Nice Guy and not out to duff them up. You don't have to mention the fence, just make a remark about the weather, then let it go - then pop round later with something like 'I should have said when I saw you earlier, I was wondering what your plans for the fence are? It's just I have a bit of time if you wanted a hand'.

Unless you know them to be awkward, don't go in expecting problems. Speak gently and make clear to them that you are expecting it will be put back.

propertyrental

Tea and cake.

Bookworm105

if you are not prepared to talk to another human on a friendly level then what do you expect to get as answers on here?
If the wording of your deeds is silent on whose boundary it is, and you have no idea who paid for the fence, then TALK to the other person. If you cannot talk without stressing them to the point of a heart attack then kindly sell up and move.

csgohan4

propertyrental said:

Tea and cake.

That reminds me of an old forumite here G_M, RIP

UnderOffer

…”Hi Jim, gardens looking great and your shed is super smart now it has been painted. Just wondering when the fence will be put back or replaced? I’m keen to get it reinstated so can you let me know your plans and can I help at all?”

baser999

UnderOffer said:

…”Hi Jim, gardens looking great and your shed is super smart now it has been painted. Just wondering when the fence will be put back or replaced? I’m keen to get it reinstated so can you let me know your plans and can I help at all?”

But isn’t this too obvious and easy 😏

Penguin_

slackgarry said:

Next door have taken down part of the fence so he can gain access to his shed for painting.
Looking on the Land Registry documents, It doesn't indicate who owner is. This happened 2 months ago, Haven't approached him because i was expecting it to be put back again.

Now the gentleman is in his ninety's and i don't want to go round and tackle him about this, incase he suffers a heart attack.

What's my options ?

Why? Are you planning on being overly confrontational with him?

Pop round & just ask politely. 

nottsphil

eddddy said:

Typically, a fence belongs to whoever paid for it and put it up.

• So if you (or a previous owner of your house) put it up, it would be yours.

• If the neighbour (or a previous owner of the neighbour's house) put it up, it would belong to the neighbour.

• 
  

When you buy freehold, you are buying the land along with anything that's happens to be built on it. So I was wondering if a fence would qualify - certainly a brick  wall would, whoever had built it.