About a garden hedge?!

[MaiaRindell]

My next door neighbours would like to replace the fence that separates our gardens. The current one is very old. I agree that removing it would be a vast improvement. There is a long hedge which ends then there's a stretch of fence so we need about 4 metres replaced. I have been asked to contribute £800.

I explained I couldn't afford this. I suggested continuing the hedge with some new plants but they don't want this. I'm a single parent and £800 is two month's child support! I have said I can borrow some money from my sister and give a maximum of £400.

Now they are ignoring me. They are usually very nice and friendly so I'm hoping they feel awkward rather than embarrassed. But I don't know what to say or do now.
Are fences really that expensive?...now I'm wondering if they are CFs.

We have lived on several estates where all fences are shared!

Shared fencing depends on the covenants or rules of where you live, either way will be on deeds. If you do have to contribute or pay you need to see quote and detail, get at least three other quotes and don't give them cash, give it in part payment to the contractor once you have agreed which one, if they are in any way shitty with you then they are trying to pull a fast one. Be strong and polite but firm.

In Scotland it would be highly unusual for a boundary fence not to be shared.
However if its not your choice to change it why should you have to pay. We have changed one of our boundary fences we never asked neighbours to contribute as it was our choice to change it.

So if it hasn't fallen down and they are replacing it due to appearance then they certainly shouldn't be asking for huge contributions.

They are having a laugh. I got fence panels fro m B & Q or Homebase whoever they are. 6ft ones and 4 big panels - £23 each and as the fence posts were already there fitted them my self.

They are asking £800 for half, that means they want to pay £1600 for a 4 ft fence! WTF!

They want a new fence, you want more hedging, neither will cost anything near 1600, they are taking the piss. Ask them for a detailed quotation, do not give them a penny, so what if they are not talking to you, let them sulk.

What's the fence they want made of? Walnut? That's ridiculous.

If you haven't got the money, you haven't got the money.

I paid about £400 for 4 metres of Colourfence, which is metal fencing, 25 year guarantee, coloured so never needs treating so the price is totally off there! Maybe they are also charging for someone to paint it —with gold leaf—

There isn't a general legal requirement to even have a fence or hedge. There are a few situations where you're required to have a fence but the only one relevant here is that if your deeds had acovenant requiring a fence to be maintained.

So you could just say "happy for old fence to go. I can't afford to replace, but I'd be happy for you to erect a fence or hedge on your side of the boundary, at your expense"

Contact land registry and see if they have any pre-registration deeds scanned in for your property. Sometimes called transfer conveyance or deed. May show T marks. The T in your garden attached to fence shows your responsibility. Other way is theirs. May be silent on deeds but worth the £10 fee possibly

If your responsibility you could say you don't mind the bashed up fence and they can put a new one up their side of it. If it's theirs then they within rights to remove and replace and they foot the bill.

Usually they are not shared in England but sometimes they are

Take lots photos before they remove it else you could find yourself with a boundary dispute.

PM me if need specific advice

Tell them to go piss up a rope 👍

That does seem extortionate for that amount of fence. Def ask to see the quote and go and get one yourself from somewhere different. If they are wanting you to contribute half they really should be showing you the quotes they have.