Fences are an essential part of residential properties, as they help to establish boundary lines, maintain privacy, and keep our gardens secure. However, questions about the responsibilities of maintaining or replacing a fence may create confusion and, in some cases, disputes among neighbours. In this blog post, we will address the big question: are you responsible for the fence at the bottom of your garden?

We'll provide helpful tips, insights, and unique perspectives on fences and property boundaries in the UK, backed by relevant data, statistics, and credible sources. By the end of this post, you'll have a solid understanding of your responsibilities as a property owner and actionable takeaways in case an issue arises.

Establishing Ownership: Who Owns That Fence?

Before discussing the responsibilities of maintaining fences, let's first clarify who actually owns the fence at the bottom of your garden.

Property Deeds, Plans and Land Registry

One of the best ways to determine the ownership of a fence is by consulting your property's legal deed or the Land Registry's title plan. These documents generally include details about the boundary lines and, in some cases, may explicitly mention the ownership of the fence.

Alternatively, the HM Land Registry may provide more information if your property is registered. Keep in mind that the information provided within these documents is a good indication of a property's boundaries, but it isn't always conclusive.

Conventional Methods or Local Rules

In some cases, local rules or conventional methods dictate fence ownership. It's common practice in the UK, although not a legal requirement, that the left-hand boundary fence (when looking from the house into the garden) is the responsibility of the property owner. However, this method doesn't hold any legal ground, and agreements between neighbours should always be considered first.

Maintenance and Repair: Whose Job Is It?

Once the fence ownership has been established, the responsibility for maintenance and repairs (usually) falls on the fence owner. However, there's no legal obligation for a property owner to maintain a boundary fence unless it's causing safety hazards or is subject to a specific agreement mentioned in the property deeds.

Shared Responsibility and Neighbourly Agreements

In some situations, neighbours may reach an informal or written agreement to share the responsibility of maintaining or repairing a boundary fence. This approach is often considered more fair and creates a sense of community among neighbours.

Maintaining Neighbour Relationships

Taking a proactive approach to maintaining your fences, even if ownership is unclear, can help you establish a positive relationship with your neighbours. Being open to communication and cooperation can prevent potential disputes or boundary-related complications.

The Importance of Fencing – The Impact of Poorly Maintained Fences

Poorly maintained boundary fences can lead to reduced privacy, security issues, and even legal problems. Prolonged neglect of fencing may result in damage that may not only disrupt your garden but your neighbour's too.

Damage and Liability

If your fence is causing damage (for example, a broken panel falls and breaks a neighbour's property), you may be held responsible for repairs or replacement costs. Maintaining your fences regularly can help prevent incidents like these.