A homeowner has expressed frustration after their neighbour asked them to replace a shared garden fence, claiming it is in 'a poor state'. The homeowner, who posted on Reddit's 'DIY UK' forum, said the neighbour eventually offered to pay half after gauging a non-receptive reaction. 'He's currently having his garden done up,' the user wrote.
The homeowner stated they are not in a financial position to contribute to replacing the fence and are not convinced the work is necessary. 'I think the fence is fine and definitely not in urgent need of replacement,' they said, attaching a photograph of the timber fence, which appeared in reasonable condition aside from weathering.
Reddit users weigh in
Most Reddit users who saw the images saw no reason for a replacement. One commented: 'Fence looks fine, if the neighbour wants something different they're welcome to put up their own fence on their side of yours. Sounds to me like they want to halve their cost of getting a new fence.'
Another wrote: 'It's your fence, if they don't like it cover it with something they like, their side of the boundary.' A third added: 'Unless the posts are wobbly there's nothing wrong with it. Neighbour can stick their own fence up on their side.'
Who is legally responsible for a garden fence?
Garden fences often spark disagreements between neighbours, especially regarding repairs or replacements. The legal responsibility depends on which side of the boundary the fence sits. This information is recorded in the property's deeds and title plan, available from the Land Registry. A 'T' marked on one side of the border indicates who is accountable for maintenance. If the symbol appears on both sides (resembling an 'H'), both parties share joint responsibility. However, these symbols are not always present.
Alternatively, the person who originally erected the fence is typically responsible for keeping it in good repair. Under The Party Wall Act 1996, the responsible neighbour is only legally obliged to repair a fence if it poses a safety risk, creates a boundary hazard, or is mandated by property deeds or local laws. In the UK, there is no legal obligation to erect fencing between adjoining gardens, except in cases such as properties bordering railway lines.
If a boundary or fencing disagreement cannot be resolved, consulting a boundary surveyor or solicitor is advisable to help reach an agreement.
