Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to refuse to pay for a shared fence? [Edited by MNHQ at posters request]

35 replies

IHTC · 20/04/2021 12:38

We live in a terraced house where the deeds state we are half responsible for the fencing on both sides of the garden. One our neighbours has said that they can't afford to contribute to the fence and they had always believed they were only responsible for the fencing the other side of their garden.

The fence this side is currently pretty much non existent, with panels missing along the entire stretch.

AIBU to suggest that it simply won't be done as we are not prepared to give them a fence for free?

I should add that my dad is a builder who has offered to install all 16 panels free of charge. The materials would cost about 1k meaning they would get their fence done this side for £500 max. Quite frankly, I don't believe they don't have the money as they have putting in planning to extend by 5m out.

Am I being too harsh? Would you just do the fence?

OP posts:
Bouncebacker · 20/04/2021 12:53

That’s annoying- but I think I’d just suck it up and replace the fence - would be better than no fence as you wouldn’t be able to avoid them when you are in the garden! Maybe you can paint offensive pictures on their side? Grin

playeddepaler · 20/04/2021 12:52

@IHTC just because that have planning permission in doesn't mean they have the money. They might have it...but clearly the fence is not their priority and you don't get to decide that for them.

PurpleDaisies · 20/04/2021 12:50

If it bothers you, just suck it up and do it. From my experience, it’s not worth trying to get money out of a neighbour who doesn’t want to pay.

Either do it because you want it or forget about it because you are fine with it. Don’t let it become a thing. Neighbour disputes have a tendency to get nasty very quickly,

LST · 20/04/2021 12:49

@LST

If they are happy with how it is, its tough. They could remove the fence completely if it is there's. If you want to replace it, its up to you.
*theirs
LST · 20/04/2021 12:47

If they are happy with how it is, its tough. They could remove the fence completely if it is there's. If you want to replace it, its up to you.

Original poster
IHTC · 20/04/2021 12:46

@Iwantcauliflowercheese It's really unusual! When we bought the house we were expecting full responsibility for 1 side but the solicitor pointed out we share responsibility to the fence either side and only have full responsibility for the fencing/gate at the back.

OP posts:
Brieminewine · 20/04/2021 12:45

Depends how much you desperately want it I suppose.

Iwantcauliflowercheese · 20/04/2021 12:44

That's quite unusual. The deeds usually show which fences are yours. If your fence needs replacing, you pay for it. The fact that the neighbours benefit from a new fence is irrelevant.

AryaStarkWolf · 20/04/2021 12:44

They don't have to contribute if they don't want to, a fence is not a requirement by law so if you want the fence just do it

FelicityPike · 20/04/2021 12:42

I would just do the fence personally.