A guide to fence ownership and responsibilities

There can be times when an issue regarding the boundaries of your property may emerge. For example, who owns the fence that surrounds your property? Who is responsible for any maintenance, and what happens if sudden repairs are needed? These are all crucial questions, so it is a good idea to take a look at some of the principles behind fence ownership. You can then make an informed decision without getting into any possible disputes. Let’s break this topic down into a handful of sections so that it is easier to understand.

Boundary fence ownership at a glance

Before we examine fence ownership rules, you should first obtain a title deed of your property. This document does not cost very much, and it can be obtained through the Land Registry. The plan will clearly outline the boundaries around your property. You may also notice a “T” on one side of the border. This symbol indicates who is responsible for any maintenance that may need to take place. If it happens to be found on both sides of the boundary, this will suggest that both parties (you and your neighbour) will need to carry out any maintenance tasks jointly. However, we should also point out that there are times when no symbols are present. This is when the notion of garden fence ownership can become a bit tricky.

The question of responsibility

We now need to take a look at garden fence law in terms of who has initially erected the fence or has assumed regular maintenance tasks. If you have taken on such responsibilities in the past, the chances are high that you will be legally liable for any future upkeep (or if the fence needs to be replaced due to safety issues). To put it simply, any individual who has made it a point to look after the fence will usually be held responsible for any issues that may arise. For example, your neighbour might be required to make repairs if he or she has previously taken care of the fence; even if the structure itself is located on your side of the boundary.

Fence ownership rules in terms of performing any alterations

What does garden fence law say about modifying a boundary fence? For instance, will you be able to paint your side of the boundary or hang plants on any fence posts? This will often boil down to the issue of responsibility. If your neighbour is legally responsible for the upkeep of the fence (as mentioned in the last section), you will need to ask permission before performing any type of alterations. If you normally take care of the fence, your neighbour should likewise speak to you in advance.