In the last couple of months, you may have become tempted to paint your side of the neighbour’s fence in an effort to spruce up your garden.
However, this could cause some friction between you and your neighbour.
If you’re planning on doing this, here is what the law has to say on the matter.
Am I allowed to paint my side of the neighbour’s fence?
According to East Coast Fencing, the legality of painting your side of the neighbour’s fence is “surprisingly complex”.
The experts said: “In many regions, the ownership and responsibility of fences are clearly defined.
“This means that although you may see one side of the fence panels from your property, you might not necessarily have the legal right to alter its appearance.
“It’s essential to understand who actually owns the fence before making any changes. Generally, the property deed or a land survey will indicate ownership.
“If the fence is on the boundary line, it is often considered a shared responsibility, complicating the issue further.”
“The concept of ‘quiet enjoyment’ of property is another legal consideration. This principle ensures that property owners can enjoy their premises without interference from others.
“Painting your side of the fencing without permission could potentially violate your neighbour’s right to quiet enjoyment, especially if they object to the colour or the fact that you painted it without consulting them first.
“Communication is key in these situations to prevent misunderstandings and potential legal disputes.”
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Who is responsible for repairing a garden fence after a storm?
According to the solicitors over at BP Collins, a “common misconception” is that “everyone owns the boundary to the left of the property.”
Discussing which fence people are responsible for in the UK, the firm said: “In fact, there is no general rule to dictate which boundary is owned by a property owner.
“The legal position is that you are only obligated to maintain a boundary structure where the deeds to the property show a repair or maintenance covenant to that effect.”
This means the rules around repairs are largely the same for painting a fence.