Share this article:
Few things can cause relationships with your neighbors to sour more dramatically than disputes, especially those instances when there is a disagreement as to where the property line stands. Such issues can arise from situations that are not necessarily anyone’s fault.
As the legal blog Nolo points out, an incorrect description of property boundaries in your property’s deed or your neighbor’s could go unnoticed until a professional is brought in to rectify the mistake. No matter the cause, poor handling of the dispute can engender lasting hostilities and rack up thousands in legal fees on both sides of the proverbial fence.
If any property-related disagreement comes up, it’s best to move quickly in the direction of amicable resolution. Before even taking such a matter to your lawyer, it's wise to recognize the laws involved.
Know fencing & other property laws
Every state has its own laws pertaining to property boundaries. Some are specific enough to detail the types of fences that can and cannot be built, while others are more general. Cities and towns may have laws about fences as well. Once you've spoken to your neighbor and understand what the conflict is, check on these laws so you know what issues might be involved.
Bring in a surveyor
Ideally, you should've had a surveyor determine property boundaries before you even moved into the house. But if not, don't dwell on past oversights when a dispute is brewing. According to FindLaw, surveyors can precisely identify legal property boundaries, overlaps, gaps, easements and other anomalies that keep property borders from being simple straight lines. Surveyors can also determine any zoning issues that might have a bearing on the issue.
Respectful communication
If the property encroachment is minor, Nolo advises attempting to resolve it out of court. A simple matter of an improperly placed fence, for example, might be rectified with a conversation between you and the neighbor.
Even if legal counsel becomes necessary at any point, don't let discussions degenerate into squabbling or insult-slinging. If you fear that happening for any reason, consult an attorney and let him or her do the talking.
As the legal blog Nolo points out, an incorrect description of property boundaries in your property’s deed or your neighbor’s could go unnoticed until a professional is brought in to rectify the mistake. No matter the cause, poor handling of the dispute can engender lasting hostilities and rack up thousands in legal fees on both sides of the proverbial fence.
If any property-related disagreement comes up, it’s best to move quickly in the direction of amicable resolution. Before even taking such a matter to your lawyer, it's wise to recognize the laws involved.
Know fencing & other property laws
Every state has its own laws pertaining to property boundaries. Some are specific enough to detail the types of fences that can and cannot be built, while others are more general. Cities and towns may have laws about fences as well. Once you've spoken to your neighbor and understand what the conflict is, check on these laws so you know what issues might be involved.
Bring in a surveyor
Ideally, you should've had a surveyor determine property boundaries before you even moved into the house. But if not, don't dwell on past oversights when a dispute is brewing. According to FindLaw, surveyors can precisely identify legal property boundaries, overlaps, gaps, easements and other anomalies that keep property borders from being simple straight lines. Surveyors can also determine any zoning issues that might have a bearing on the issue.
Respectful communication
If the property encroachment is minor, Nolo advises attempting to resolve it out of court. A simple matter of an improperly placed fence, for example, might be rectified with a conversation between you and the neighbor.
Even if legal counsel becomes necessary at any point, don't let discussions degenerate into squabbling or insult-slinging. If you fear that happening for any reason, consult an attorney and let him or her do the talking.
