Disputes with neighbours over fence repairs can be tense, but there is one guaranteed way to determine who is responsible. According to fencing specialists Jacksons Fencing, the only certain method is to check the Title Plan or Land Registry documentation for the property.
Checking the 'Good' Side of the Fence
Homeowners often guess ownership by looking at which side of the fence faces their property. Typically, the 'good' side—the side with the rails—faces away from the owner's property, giving the neighbour the smoother side. Jacksons Fencing explains: 'This is the most secure way of facing fencing, so there are no rails for anyone to use to climb into your garden. This is then repeated with the neighbour on the other side to ensure that each home has both a 'good' and 'bad' fence side.'
However, this method is not foolproof and can lead to disagreements when neither neighbour wants to pay for repairs.
The Definitive Solution: Land Registry Records
The only way to be certain is to consult the Land Registry. In these records, a 'T' symbol indicates who owns the boundary. If the 'T' appears on both sides forming an 'H' shape, the fence is shared ownership—a 'party wall'—and both neighbours must cooperate on maintenance. This applies whether the property is rented or owned.
What If Your Neighbour Refuses to Repair?
Even if the fence is rotting and unsightly, Jacksons Fencing warns: 'Frustratingly, there is no way to make your neighbour repair their fence.' Hiring a disputes expert is an option, but it becomes an official dispute that must be declared when selling your house. The only workaround is to install your own fence within your boundary, right next to the existing one.
