{"id":369354,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:23","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/neighbors\/neighbor-fence-disputes.html"},"modified":"2024-04-04T15:34:32","modified_gmt":"2024-04-04T20:34:32","slug":"neighbor-fence-disputes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/neighbors\/neighbor-fence-disputes.html","title":{"rendered":"Neighbor Fence Disputes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Neighbor Fence Disputes<\/h1>\n
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\n By Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

You’ve just moved into your first home<\/a>. As you consider renovations, it’s essential to know where the boundary lines of your property begin and end. You want to ensure you won’t accidentally change something on your neighbor’s property. Your neighbor might get angry or even file a lawsuit.<\/p>\r\n

Perhaps you think the fence is on a boundary line you commonly own with your neighbor. You might want your neighbor to help pay for the cost. But your neighbor has other things in mind. What does the law say?<\/p>\r\n

The following is information to keep in mind about fences and neighbor disputes<\/a>. You can easily avoid boundary disputes. You just need to know a bit about them and the local laws and state laws governing property.<\/p>\r\n

Fences and Local Ordinances<\/h2>\r\n

Local fence ordinances typically regulate how one uses or puts up their fence around their property. This can include the:<\/p>\r\n

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  1. Type of material such as wood or metal<\/li>\r\n
  2. Area where the fence goes<\/li>\r\n
  3. Shape and color<\/li>\r\n
  4. Appropriate height<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

    But this could vary from state to state. For example, North Carolina property law isn’t as strict on residents with fences unless they own a farm with livestock. If you don’t have livestock, you must keep the fence within the bounds of your land unless there is a contrary agreement with your neighbor.<\/p>\r\n

    Homeowner associations (HOAs) can also impose fence restrictions on residents living within certain subdivisions. The rules from the HOA will focus on:<\/p>\r\n