So, my neighbor just installed a shadow box fence right on our property line without discussing it with me first. They've had issues in the past with my landscaping, even going so far as to cut my vines because they were growing through. I would've been fine with them putting up a picket fence and facing the rough side toward me, but they didn't consult me at all.
The previous fence fell down because the posts were not installed correctly, but instead of taking responsibility, my neighbor blamed me for trying to beautify my side of the fence with extra pickets. Now that they've put up this new fence, I want to know what my rights are when it comes to attaching my own solid fence to the existing posts. Since they built the fence right on the line, have they lost ownership over it? I live in a rowhouse neighborhood in Jersey City, New Jersey, and I can't afford to lose more space in my yard by putting my posts inside their fence. What can I do?
3 Answers
It sounds like you're in a tricky situation! If you can, consider placing your new posts right next to theirs instead of using theirs. This might help you keep more of your yard intact. Plus, check with your local town office to understand the fencing codes there, just to be safe. Good luck with it!
Just a heads up, it seems like the neighbor might have a point about your original modifications affecting the fence’s integrity. If they put up the fence, it's theirs, so be cautious about attaching to it without permission. You could be stepping on some toes here!
Definitely call your local building department to get clarity on the regulations around fencing. It can be a mixed bag depending on where you live! Some municipalities require shared fences, but if yours doesn’t, the fence typically belongs to whoever put it up, as long as it's on their side of the property line.