It's one of the most common questions we get when a fence blows down: is it mine, or the neighbour's? Here's how to find out.
There's no left or right rule
You'll often hear that the fence on your left (or right) is yours. That's a myth. Who owns a boundary depends on your property's documents, not which side it's on.
Check your title plan
- Get a copy of your title register and title plan from HM Land Registry. It costs a few pounds online.
- Look for a T mark on the boundary line. A T on your side of the line usually means that boundary is your responsibility.
- An H mark (two Ts joined) usually means the boundary is shared.
- Many plans have no marks at all. Then check your deeds or ask your conveyancer.
The posts-and-rails clue
Traditionally, a fence is put up with the posts and rails on the owner's side and the smooth side facing the neighbour. It's a useful clue, not proof.
Do I have to repair it?
In most cases there's no general legal duty to put up or repair a garden fence, unless your deeds say so. But a fence that's falling down can damage property or hurt someone, so it's worth sorting out quickly.
If the fence is shared or you're not sure
- Talk to your neighbour before any work starts, and agree who pays for what.
- You can usually put up your own new fence just inside your boundary, on your land, if you can't agree.
Fixing or replacing it
Blown down or leaning? See our fence repairs, or price a new closeboard fence in 20 seconds with the fence calculator. We can also build it for you: get a free quote.
This is general guidance, not legal advice. For a boundary dispute, speak to a solicitor or conveyancer.