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Hello all,
We are buying our first house and our neighbor has this useless, decorative fence. We would like to install a privacy fence around our property. What are our options?
Thanks!
That fence keeps my dog from getting out, and you better stay off my damn grass!
Have you had the property line surveyed to know that the "neighbor's fence" is on the common property line?
If so, then you are effectively half owner of that fence. You could tell the neighbor that you're "making improvements" to it, for example. There's a lot of good posts and structure there which could be the basis for you to install the face that you'd prefer to have.
Or you may find out that the "neighbor's fence" is already solely on their property. In which case, you could build a new fence of your choice on or slightly inside the property line. Depending upon your state laws, you may find that you don't need a 1' set-back, but only an inch ... enough to establish that the fence is clearly on your property. An accurate survey is critical.
As well, you may find out with a new survey that the fence is on your property. For whatever reason or error, it's on your property so you can do with it as you would wish to do. A courtesy call to the neighbor might be advisable, but you'd be within your rights to tell them that the fence was being removed so that a fence to your liking was being installed. Whether or not you'd like them to bear half the cost of a new fence on the property line is your call. You may find that it's their obligation to do so in some states ....
Hello all,
We are buying our first house and our neighbor has this usely do not.ess, decorative fence. We would like to install a privacy fence around our property. What are our options?
Thanks!
You may think it is useless. They do not.
Or move to a gated commuted community. Or buy another house.
OP- you maybe having a survey for the purchase/sell of the property. If not, get one done for the fence. Inside the property by one foot is pretty standard fare unless you have an agreement with the owner of the adjoining property.
By having the fence "inside" your property line your adjoining neighbors have no right to "connect" with your fence unless they ask. This is where you can negotiate a "price" for their "attachment"/use of "your" fence.
For those of us who have never had to deal with an HOA, it is very easy to forget them.
We made sure there wasn't one before we made an offer on the place.
This reminds me, I need to get a property line surveyed one of these days. there is no rush, though, no hassle is involved. I would merely like to know if the existing fence is on the line.
There may be a HOA restriction that will prevent you putting in a privacy fence, and this is the only fence they allow. This is not uncommon.
Check that the municipality allows you to put in a privacy fence, as in many communities it is not allowed, especially in older towns in the Eastern States.
Check that there are not deed restrictions that prevent the privacy fence you want. I have seen lots where the developer put in deed restrictions as to what was allowed for fences between properties when they subdivided the property.
I have seen many situations over the years when I was in the business, that prevented the people putting in a privacy fence, which I prefer to have.
think about it,
if it is 12" on your property, no one can give you grief about it.
your property, your fence.
Who and how are you going to mow and weed those 12 inches of lawn between the 2 fences?
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