Being forced to replace fence - is this legal??

[SilverLining]

My neighbour has been round to point out that in her opinion the fence which joins our houses needs replacing. I don't necessarily agree with ber but was happy to look into quotes etc to replace it. She has done so and now wants us to pay for the majority of it and the other 2 neighbours will contribute something. I am well aware that the whole fence is ours and if it was in a terrible state (it isn't) we wouldn't dream of asking them to py for it. She is also v particular about exactly what she wants in its place. My instinct is to replace it and pay for it all but to our liking and not exactly what she wants!

Can I legally do what I want with it? Is she within her rights to dictate what goes there??

Thanks all - I hate confrontation......!

Your fence, your decision.

If she does not like the style of fence you erect, she is free to add her own fence to her own liking, inside.

Just tell her you will think about it, but will get your own quotes.

I actually think she has a damn cheek! She has found the fence she wants, and is trying it on.

Oh thanks so much - was beginning to think it was me!!!! DH works away and he just told me he's tempted to get a shocking pink fence just to shock her!!

Thank you - i really am not good with confrontation - will print these out and read them back to her!!!!!

SL x

Check your deeds - it will usually say which fences are your responsibility.

But generally agree with others!

Its definitely our fence - I've never disputed that! I just don't like being dictated to about when and what to do!!! X

find out exactly what she wants and then get something completely different
She sounds like my old neighbour, we nearly had a street party when she moved

If it's your fence and it's safe, ie it isn't causing a hazard to your neighbours then you are under no obligation to do anything at all. Your neighbour is barking mad. Tell her to mind her own business.

Why are you responsible for the fence for 4 people? I can understand you having a fence between you and the neighbour but who are the other two people? If the fence is not dangerous, then it is entirely up to you how, when and with what you replace it.

Annh - they all run along the side of our house and it is our reponsibility - I'm not denying that!!!!! KathyJelly - I think she's barking mad too! Its most definitely not causing a hazard - she just wants her perfect looking garden! Mumoverseas - DH is home now and is ready to party all night just to wind her up!!! Oh dear - there could be trouble ahead!!!! SL X

Be aware that as it is your fence she cannot attach anything to it or paint it etc without your permission. And she can't dictate what fence you have, she is entitled to erect her own fence smack bang next to yours if she wants to choose what separates your garden from hers.

As she seems a little confrontational you need to take lots of photos/film NOW, so that she cannot make any accusations that you have moved it etc when the new fence is erected.

If you need her to agree to anything or the other neighbours then get it in writing, there are lots of cases on www.gardenlaw.co.uk forum about neighbours who backtrack verbal agreements.

Best of luck.

Super - thanks Fizzylemonade! think I'm on top of it all now! Let battle commence!!!! X