Neighbor's fence...questions

[SevenSeasLagoon5]

I don't know what the "right" thing to do is here... Our neighbor's wooden fence (part of it) fell down yesterday in high winds. He called me on my cell phone to tell me what had happened. He has 3 dogs. They like to rescue greyhounds. One has been labeled a dangerous dog for biting a man and another dog. We have 2 dogs. So during the call, he says he "thinks it's time to replace the fence and we could split the cost". He put up the fence before we moved in. We had nothing to do with that fence originally. We do like our neighbors. I was surprised that he said that. Later, when I got home, he threw out there that maybe he should pay for it. I have not yet offered anything out there about us paying.

DH thinks it would be neighborly to pay for half. I'm not convinced it's something we should have to pay for. If our fence on the other side of our property collapsed (the one we put it), I would never ask our other neighbors to help pay the cost. I feel that whomever put it in should pay to replace it. Maybe I'm wrong? What do you think the correct outcome is? Thanks so much.

 

[Melrosgirl]

He should pay for it. Then it's his liability next time it falls over.

 

[JimmyPicker]

Where's the fence? On his yard or the property line? What kind of fence will it be? Basic and cheap or fancy and expensive? If it's a nice fence, who gets the pretty side?

Since both of you have dogs, it's beneficial for both of you to have the fence, right?

I would probably sit down with the neighbor and try to work out some details a little more before coming to a decision.

Another question, what about homeowners insurance? Would the fence be covered by that? Does the whole fence need replacing or just the broken part?

Again, too many questions, not enough specifics.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I agree with your DH. It is neighborly to split the cost.

You enjoy the fence, too, don't you?

 

[JessicaR]

Where's the fence? On his yard or the property line? What kind of fence will it be? Basic and cheap or fancy and expensive? If it's a nice fence, who gets the pretty side?

Since both of you have dogs, it's beneficial for both of you to have the fence, right?I would probably sit down with the neighbor and try to work out some details a little more before coming to a decision.

Another question, what about homeowners insurance? Would the fence be covered by that? Does the whole fence need replacing or just the broken part?

Again, too many questions, not enough specifics.

Thats my feeling. I would pay half.

 

[ncmickeyluvr]

If it's on his property, I would not pay half. He could sell his house tomorrow...not likely in this market but play along ...and the new owners could decide they don't like fences and tear it down. It would be within their rights as it is their fence.

 

[ElizK]

If you use that fence to contain your dogs, too, than I'd split it.

 

[torinsmom]

Does that fence benefit you? When I moved into my house, both my neighbors had fences. They both agreed to let me connect to their fences, so I only had to put up a fence at the front and back of my property. Saved me a TON of money, so I would definitely help with the cost if something happened to one or the other. They could have said I couldn't connect and I would have had a fence right up against theirs, you know?

If you have your own fence, I don't feel its your problem.

Marsha

 

[JessicaR]

I'm thinking you need the fence to contain your dogs. If the neighbor decided not to replace the fence you would have to put your own up and pay the WHOLE bill instead of half.

 

[daughtersrus]

If it's on his property, I would not pay half. He could sell his house tomorrow...not likely in this market but play along ...and the new owners could decide they don't like fences and tear it down. It would be within their rights as it is their fence.

I agree.

 

[C&G'sMama]

I think the neighbor should pay, assuming it's on his property. We have a fenced in yard. Last year we replaced one side and the back. The back fence was actually the neighbor's, put in long before he moved in. And it was falling down. We paid for both. They are both on my property.

 

[DVCLiz]

I just replaced a rusty old chain link fence with a cedar post fence on my property. I have three neighbors who use my fence for their dogs, but none of them paid for any of my new fence. I wanted it on my property - as a matter of fact the biggest reason I replaced it (other than the fact that it was ugly) was that along the back the previous fence was not on the property line but came in about 3 feet at an angle across the back. I had always wanted to straighten that up.

The new fence is about 6 inches inside my property line and goes all the way around my yard. I had the fence guys put up a few planks - also at my expense - to connect to the neighbors so they wouldn't have to worry about their dogs getting out. That was just a neighborly thing to do but I would hate it if my neighbors lost their dogs or worse because I didn't get a couple of extra boards installed. It was inconvenient enough the week the fence was being replaced - one set of dogs did get out before we knew the fence was down and it was almost a disaster. Plus everyone had to walk their dogs on leashes that week - BIG pain in the neck!!

I did ask that the "pretty" side face toward me!!

Bottom line, OP - it would be nice to offer to pay part of the fence but the most important thing is to know exactly where the property line is and to put the fence on his side, and to know that if he moves it could very well be torn down. If you want to be secure put up your own fence on your own property.

 

[LuvOrlando]

What kind of phone call was that?

I have a fence. I have a dog. My fence is getting old. It's my job to replace it & I wouldn't even begin to dream of asking one of my neighbors to help pay for my own property.

If I got a call from my neighbor like that I would tell him I don't have the money for it. By paying for the fence you are accepting responsibility for it. If the neighbor's dogs get out and bite someone you are accepting liability for the fence being in good condition. Also, you would probably have to tell your Homeowners Insurance about the situation because you are opening them up to a law suit too, for a liability they might not cover if you don't disclose it ahead of time.No way, no how would I ever do that. Neighbors pets, neighbors property, neighbors responsibility.

Frankly, I'm completely stunned anyone would even ask the question.

Neighborly behavior is picking up each other's mail and putting out the trash when on vacation, shoveling the snow, even letting the dogs out or feeding them when they are out. That sort of stuff. Unless you have a fence that is relying on his side to mark your perimeter it doesn't make any sense.

 

[JessicaR]

I just replaced a rusty old chain link fence with a cedar post fence on my property. I have three neighbors who use my fence for their dogs, but none of them paid for any of my new fence. I wanted it on my property - as a matter of fact the biggest reason I replaced it (other than the fact that it was ugly) was that along the back the previous fence was not on the property line but came in about 3 feet at an angle across the back. I had always wanted to straighten that up.

The new fence is about 6 inches inside my property line and goes all the way around my yard. I had the fence guys put up a few planks - also at my expense - to connect to the neighbors so they wouldn't have to worry about their dogs getting out. That was just a neighborly thing to do but I would hate it if my neighbors lost their dogs or worse because I didn't get a couple of extra boards installed. It was inconvenient enough the week the fence was being replaced - one set of dogs did get out before we knew the fence was down and it was almost a disaster. Plus everyone had to walk their dogs on leashes that week - BIG pain in the neck!!

I did ask that the "pretty" side face toward me!!

Bottom line, OP - it would be nice to offer to pay part of the fence but the most important thing is to know exactly where the property line is and to put the fence on his side, and to know that if he moves it could very well be torn down. If you want to be secure put up your own fence on your own property.

We recently put up a new fence too. I have never seen the pretty side facing in. Not around here anyway. I think we dont have a choice. I asked to do it the way you did and my husband said No thats not allowed! Well alrighty then.

 

[bookgirl]

I don't know what the "right" thing to do is here... Our neighbor's wooden fence (part of it) fell down yesterday in high winds. He called me on my cell phone to tell me what had happened. He has 3 dogs. They like to rescue greyhounds. One has been labeled a dangerous dog for biting a man and another dog. We have 2 dogs. So during the call, he says he "thinks it's time to replace the fence and we could split the cost". He put up the fence before we moved in. We had nothing to do with that fence originally. We do like our neighbors. I was surprised that he said that. Later, when I got home, he threw out there that maybe he should pay for it. I have not yet offered anything out there about us paying.

DH thinks it would be neighborly to pay for half. I'm not convinced it's something we should have to pay for. If our fence on the other side of our property collapsed (the one we put it), I would never ask our other neighbors to help pay the cost. I feel that whomever put it in should pay to replace it. Maybe I'm wrong? What do you think the correct outcome is? Thanks so much.

Shared fence line means shared cost (if its totally on his property and does not touch your property or meet up with your other fences then maybe it's all his cost). After all he could just say he doesn't want a fence and just put up a run for the dogs. Then you would also have to figure out what to do with your dogs. Would you be okay without the fence? It benefits you to have that fence.

 

[golfgal]

I would never assume a neighbor will help us when our fence needs repairs/replacement, however I wouldn't turn down an OFFER to help. Only one side of our fence is "used" by another neighbor. We stained the outside of the fence last summer but did not do the part that was in their yard nor would I ever expect to do that. I guess I consider that "rent" for using our fence . They did not share in the cost to put that section up. That and they have 2 scary dogs that like to bite so no way am I going in their yard. Now, if they don't stop their dogs from jumping on the fence trying to get at our dog and they break the fence, you bet they will pay for fixing it.

 

[Christine]

I was the first person in my general area to put up a fence so I paid for all sides of the fence. My neighbors then put up the fence and, of course, paid less for a fence because they all got one free side. But what are you gonna do? If my fence broke I would pay to have it fixed. Alternatively, if I ever decide I don't want to replace my fence, I can tear it down and they are left without one side to their fence.

 

[iwrbnd]

We have the same problem. Both our neighbors connected their fence to ours. We all have dogs and kids so it benefits us all. The thing I don't like is when it needs fixed or replaced (which is quite a lot since it's wood) we always have to pay it because it's on our property. I've never thought that was fair but I also would never ask for my neighbor's to pay it. (I would accept their help if offered, though!)

 

[krcit]

If I needed a fence b/c of a dog or kids, I would split the cost with my neighbor. I have a fence on 2 sides of my yard, the 3rd side is my garage so I don't need a fence on that side. A few years ago, my neighbor on the garage side called at 10 pm and said he was having a fence put up the next day and would we like to pay half. Um, no we wouldn't It was going up alongside my garage..I didn't need it, wouldn't even see it so why would I pay for it They had a dog so they needed a fence and they are cheaper than cheap so they figured why not ask the nice neighbors. Now, if my fence along the side and back needed to be replaced, I would split the cost IF the neighbors offered but I would not ask and would rather just be able to buy what we wanted and not have to worry about anyone else.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Since you both have dogs, I would share the cost.