It would seem that I like fences. Our small lot is covered with them – some that we inherited and others that we have added. We have a fenced area in the front of our house and a separate area on the side. And within the fenced areas there are even more fences. These are smaller, and mainly to keep the dog out of the gardens, but still, a fence is a fence.
Fences are often a source of trouble in real estate. Homeowners looking to put one up along a property line really should have a survey done to make sure they are staying on their own land. Traditionally the “nice” side of the fence is positioned to face outwards – towards the neighbors – but that rule of thumb isn’t always followed.
We hear all sorts of interesting stories about fences. One homeowner had a section of their neighbor’s fence fall into their yard and almost hit their dog. Not only did the neighbor refuse to fix the fence, but they also refused to let this homeowner replace the fence. After enough begging, the homeowner was eventually allowed to fix it, though the neighbor did not help cover the cost or even say thanks.
Another homeowner has a neighbor who couldn’t install their fence right on the property line because of a tree. So now the homeowner has a fully fenced back yard in which the neighbor owns a strip of land at the back. Which is fine, except when the neighbor appears to “clean up” the strip of land each time the homeowner is doing a yard project in the back. Then it’s just awkward since they’re obviously just coming over to be nosy.
And everyone’s heard the complaint about a pool fence that didn’t get repaired in a timely manner. This is something that happens all the time and becomes an issue because the neighbors feel it’s dangerous – nobody wants to worry that their kid or pet is going to fall into the pool next door.
Fully fenced yards can be great to have for those with dogs and kids and pools. But we all have to remember how they impact the folks on the other side and remember to be a good neighbor.
Do you have any fence stories that you would like to share?
Fencing that is a hazard – and falling over – is a problem. Ditto on rotting trees that neighbors refuse to deal with because, after all, its leaning away from their house and right at yours!
That homeowner was way too nice to the neighbor who refused to fix it even after it nearly fell on the dog. Ask nicely, and then ask nicely again. When you get the blow off, that’s when its time to crank up the lawyer.