{"id":369367,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:23","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/neighbors\/what-can-you-do-about-an-encroachment.html"},"modified":"2024-06-05T12:31:00","modified_gmt":"2024-06-05T17:31:00","slug":"what-can-you-do-about-an-encroachment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/neighbors\/what-can-you-do-about-an-encroachment.html","title":{"rendered":"What Can You Do About an Encroachment?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Can You Do About an Encroachment?<\/h1>\n
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\n By Eric Harvey, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aisha Success, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\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

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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

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Encroachments occur when a neighbor’s structure extends onto your property, which can lead to disputes. Homeowners should try to negotiate with their neighbors first before pursuing legal action. But if that fails, you can pursue remedies such as easements or filing a court action like a quiet title or ejectment.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

In real estate, an encroachment is when another property owner puts up a structure that intrudes on (or over) your land. For example, your neighbor builds a shed partially over your property line.<\/p>\n

It could also happen if a neighbor expands their house so that a porch ends up on your property. This is a structural encroachment. The same is true if you build an extension to your house that expands your space onto your neighbor’s land<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Encroachments are a common cause of neighbor disputes. Minor encroachments like overhanging branches can often be resolved informally. But major ones may require legal action or property boundary adjustments. If you aren’t successful negotiating with your neighbor, consider contacting a real estate attorney<\/a> near you for legal help. <\/p>\n

Encroachments: A Homeowner’s Nightmare<\/h2>\n

Encroachments are among the toughest property disputes homeowners or landowners can face. Comparable to trespassing<\/a>, encroachment constitutes an invasion of space. You can address encroachments through civil means.<\/p>\n

Minor Encroachments<\/h3>\n

Minor encroachments happen often and may not be grounds for legal action.<\/p>\n

Below are examples of minor encroachments:<\/p>\n