With summer approaching, many homeowners are planning to spruce up their gardens, including painting fences. However, gardening expert Michael Griffiths has warned that painting a fence without verifying ownership could lead to legal issues.
In an Instagram video, Griffiths explained that just because a fence borders your garden does not give you the right to paint it. The fence may belong to your neighbour, and altering it without permission could be considered criminal damage under the Criminal Damage Act 1971.
To avoid disputes, homeowners should check property deeds or boundary lines to determine fence ownership. If the fence belongs to a neighbour, written permission must be obtained before painting. Even painting your own fence may require permission to access a neighbour's garden to avoid trespass.
Commenters on Griffiths' video suggested that most neighbours are happy to cooperate if asked. One said: 'I asked our neighbour if she would mind, and she was more than happy.' Another added: 'We bought the same paint and did our side. No drama, nice neighbours.'
If permission is not sought, neighbours could demand restoration of the fence at the owner's cost or pursue legal action through small claims court. In rare cases, police may become involved if disagreements escalate.
