Fence

[IFeelTheNeedTheNeedForSleep]

Hello
I wonder if anyone could help. We are the second house from the end in a row of semi detached houses - there is a panelled fence runs right along the back of the houses. Two panels are in the first houses garden and the third panel starts in their garden, continues into ours and then there is one that starts in ours and continues into the next door and so on and so forth.

Next door (house 1) has started being a nightmare about fencing and has now decided that the panel that starts in his garden (so from the post in his) and continues into ours is our responsibility and he wants us to pay to have it replaced so there is no overlap. There is nothing on the deeds to show who is responsible for which panel. Am I right in thinking we are within our rights to say we're not paying for this, if he wants that done then feel free but it will be at his cost??

Thanks

[Whenwillthisbeover]

I suspect all the neighbours jointly paid if it runs all down the back with no obvious division between the houses.

Count the number of panels and divide them between the houses and then present the results to him. You will either each own an equal amount or the said panel will be shared between you both.

You have your answer then.

[IFeelTheNeedTheNeedForSleep]

Thank you!

[SavoyCabbage]

Does it need replacing?
Do they all need replacing?

Surely it would be normal to split the cost of the panels that are in two gardens.

I’d get a quote to have my own fence redone so it was just my own fence in my own garden

[HouchinBawbags]

So neighbour has informed you that you're responsible for the fence and he wants you to replace it? Well there's a simple solution to that. Either put a post in at the edge of your property and fence up to your property line AND NO FURTHER or just get rid of it. There is no rule anywhere that states that a fence must be put up between properties. It can be wide open if you like. The only requirement is a clearly marked border.

So screw him.

[IFeelTheNeedTheNeedForSleep]

@SavoyCabbage if it was damaged we would absolutely consider splitting the cost but the panel is in perfect condition, he just doesn't like it as it doesn't match the new fence he's put in at the other side. He's also putting a shed right in front of it so it won't even be seen. 🤷🏼‍♀️

@HouchinBawbags that's the point he's getting me to! We know we're responsible for the fence between our two gardens so we've agreed to replace that (for an easy life, not that there's much wrong with it) but this panel that runs along the back Im refusing to give in to - I think the more I give into this man the worse he will get