Fencing panels

[Bluebirthdaycard]

Part of the fencing panels have blown down in the high winds today. The fence is shared with next door (privately rented), our house is owned and checking the deeds the fence belongs to us. Do we have an obligation to get it fixed? Any thoughts are appreciated.

Nope you don’t have to fix it if you don’t want to. If you have dogs / kids then it is your responsibility to ensure they do not roam on to your neighbours land - so reinstating a fence would be a wise and prudent move. Otherwise you could just mark the boundary with sticks and string should you wish. If you don’t mark the boundary, you could lay yourself open to land grab by stealth and associated problems determining the boundary in the future. Not to mention that it could be an issue when selling to not have clear, maintained boundaries.

They are the ones with a small dog and young kids but as it is at the moment the bottom half of the fence is still up (the panels are horizontal). I just don't want them or the landlord demanding we fix it.

The fence between us and our neighbours blew down in February’s storm. I couldn’t tell you who owns the fence , we wanted it fixed quickly as the neighbours have a puppy so we paid for it. They did offer half the money but we didn’t take it.

Your fence, your choice. Could panels be mended?

@Bluebirthdaycard it’s up to you, fix it or don’t fix it. But if it’s on your deeds that you own it - they don’t have to fix it either. So you could end up with kids toys in your garden etc. or chicken wire to keep the dogs on their side. Or they could put up their own fence on their land and you don’t get a say in what goes up. Not to mention any breakdown in neighbour relations.

The saying good fences make good neighbours is spot on.

If it’s a case of lack of funds or ability, why not speak to them and see if they would be willing to share costs or at least provide the labour part?

Pretty much the whole fence needs replacing but we don't particularly want to (cost etc)

You only need to maintain a boundary, not a physical fence. But if they have a dog and children you might prefer to reinstate although it is their obligation to keep them off your property.

They're renting so I don't think it's their responsibility and we've already had the toys over the fence anyway!😄

You are right it’s not their responsibility, but they may still wish to have a fence up to retain their dog in their garden. So they may well decide to a) put up something temporary such as chicken mesh b) ask their landlord for permission to install something more permanent for them or to do so themselves or c) be willing to work with you to repair your fence - either monetary or with physical labour.
They can ask you to fix the fence as it’s your property (there’s nothing stopping them from asking you) - you don’t have to fix it, but they could be even more annoying neighbours if you don’t.

Good fences also deter burglars. They don’t stop them completely but they do make it less easy for them. - just another reason to try to fix them.

Personally I wouldn't want next doors dog pooping and peeing in my garden and it would be unreasonable to expect the neighbours to be able to prevent that with no fence. Kids collecting toys I could cope with if they are well enough trained.

The bottom half of the fence is still there (for now) and they have a small dog so as long as it doesn't jump over it should be ok. I'm not even sure if their wheelie bin has blown over onto it as they were near the fence and now they've been moved completely away. I can't prove this of course.