Knowing what side of the garden fence you are responsible for in the UK can be a minefield.
A number of popular misconceptions have created confusion around this area of property law for years, making it even more contentious.
Whether you have a quarrel with your neighbour over who owns what fence or are just curious, here is the law in the UK.
What side of the fence am I responsible for in the UK?
Many continue to believe that residents are responsible for the garden fence on their left-hand side in all cases but Goughs Solicitors have rubbished this "myth".
The law around who is responsible for what fence is much more complicated with Compare the Market stating that residents can determine this by looking for a 'T' on the boundary. If this is on your side, you are responsible for the fence.
In some rare cases, residents may see a 'H' which means the responsibility of the fence is shared.
The insurance comparison site adds that a resident's first action should be to check the deeds and title plan of their property which set out legal ownership and the general position of boundaries on a map.
Another clue is if the "good side" of the fence faces into your garden.
If you still have no clear answer and no information is provided in the property's paperwork, residents can also contact the solicitors who carried out the conveyance work or contact the Land Registry or Registers of Scotland.
Can I legally paint or alter my side of the neighbour's fence?
Citizens Advice states that you may not alter your side of the neighbour's fence without their permission.
Your neighbour also doesn't have to change their wall or fence (such as to make it higher for more privacy) just because you want them to.
If you believe the fence is dangerous, you should point this out to them as they may not be aware of the risk.
Also if they do not repair the dangerous wall or fence, you should contact your local authority.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel