To need to know etiquette ASAP?

[windyfence]

Sorry for the aibu post.
Quick question. Fence between us and neighbours has fallen down. We are not on great terms with them as they’re pretty antisocial, lots of noise and arguments.
He’s just shouted over the fence that he will pop in to talk re getting the fence fixed.
The fence is their fence. We have deeds to show this.
If he asks us to pay half then we don’t need to right?
We are in no financial position to replace a fence that isn’t ours.
They have a big dog that’s not particularly friendly that’s currently bounding round our garden.
What’s the etiquette please?

Do neighbours usually agree to pay half even if the fence belongs to one neighbour?

No, you don’t.

You usually pay to replace the fences that you own according to what’s listed on the boundaries on the deeds.

No, it’s 100% their responsibility.

His fence, he pays. Unless you want to get it fixed quickly, in which case I would offer half.

He’s quite intimidating so I’m worried about telling him we don’t want to pay. I think he’s going to suggest going halves.

If it's their fence, their responsibility - you don't pay half!

Why does he need to speak to us re getting his own fence fixed??? The footings are in their garden. Absolutely nothing to do with us.

Try not to go into this with an expectation that he will ask you to pay half. He might surprise you, fingers crossed.

If he does, just calmly explain that the fence belongs to him, and you are responsible for the fence on your other boundary. His neighbour on the other side owns that fence.
Suggest he plants a hedge ?

If it is his fence then he needs to replace it. And he needs to get his dog out of your garden. That said, it is very hard to tell who owns what on deeds and there is nothing to stop him refusing to replace the fence and if you want one, you'll have to put one up on your side. Our drive boundary had out of control bushes on it and neither us not our neighbour could work out who was responsible, so we agreed to split the cost of removing them and putting in hedges.

Got the deeds in front of me. Fences that have blown down have an inward T going into their garden.
We are responsible for fences on the other side of our garden.

Well it's obvious the lack of fence is more of a problem for you than them, so I'd say forget the deeds and do whatever gets the problem solved quickest.

No it’s their fence, they pay for it. I’m guessing the fence on the other side of your garden is your one? Usually goes that way

Maybe say “did you want to talk about access for you to get your fence fixed? We’re happy to accommodate that”.

His fence =his bill.

Tell him to maintain his boundary and control his dog.

We have a dog too, that will probably end up in their garden. But our dog is a friendly little thing.
His exact words were “I’ll pop over in a minute with regards to getting it fixed”.

Be calm and pleasant.
Have the deeds readily available but not out.
“We’re pretty sure that it’s your fence, we pay for the upkeep of the one on our other side.”

“No we can’t take in financial responsibility for your fence as well as the one on the other side, but are very happy to help with access / give you a hand etc”

“As you have the dog and need to keep him / her safe, best you install the fence that suits you best, we don’t need to be involved as it is not our fence, we have responsibility for the other boundary “

As someone who has had huge neighbour problems on the past, I'd go in to the meeting trying to be as helpful and understanding as possible whilst making it clear that it's not your fence. It also be getting out there and looking at it so you can see what needs to be done.

I don't think he has to replace it at all. So I'd say you would be worried about his dog escaping into the street through your garden as you don't shut the gate or something.

He is not actually obliged to replace the fence as long as the boundary marking is clear. He can't let his dog run around in your garden though.

He’s just shouted over the fence that he will pop in to talk re getting the fence fixed

Could be as simple as “we know the fence needs sorting, we’ll get someone on it this week”.

Be prepared to firmly say “it’s your responsibility” but it may just be a simple chat. He is also legally responsible for keeping his dog in his garden.

Just keep calm and point out the deeds show you are responsible for the fence on the other side and this one is his, so you won't be contributing to the repair costs.

Ok feel a bit better now I’ve seen these replies.
Now to stop my soft touch husband from getting intimidated and offering to help out with paying for it.

He may just be coming round to let you know what his plans are for sorting it.

Or it might be that he doesn't understand how these things work and he really does think it's joint responsibility.

Good luck but I wouldn't give in and pay.

Thing is, I'm not sure he has to replace it (check your deeds). Certainly he doesnt have to replace it in a manner that's to your liking. So if he's happy with a bit of post and wire and you want 6' wood panels for privacy, you may need to contribute.