Boundary Fence Rules

An overview of Boundary Fence Rules UK will help you understand your Garden Fence Responsibility.

Whether you have recently moved into a new property or are in your Lifetime Home, it is likely at some point that Garden Fence Laws or your Boundary Line will need to be checked.

Boundary Fences are the perfect solution for Privacy, Security, and Safety.

Keeping unwanted visitors out, and keeping Pets and Children Safe, are Big Benefits of Garden Fences.

But, before you break ground and install your Fence Posts and New Fence, there are a few things to consider. 

A little bit of planning is likely to save you time and money and help maintain a Healthy Relationship with your Neighbours.

Boundary Fences

What is a Property Boundary?

Property Boundaries are simply an Invisible Line Dividing two properties

A Property Boundary Feature is anything which marks the Imaginary or invisible line.

A Property Boundary Feature could be;

• Garden Fences

• Fence Posts

• Trees

• Hedges

• Ditch

• Wall

• Gutter

It is assumed that your Boundary Ownership is to the Left when facing your Property.

This is not always the case, but title deeds can give you a better idea.

If there is a "T" Mark on your deeds which is inward-facing, this would typically indicate that maintenance responsibility is yours.

An "H" Mark indicates joint responsibility.

Am I legally Responsible for installing Fence Posts and a Boundary Fence?

If you decide you do not wish to install a Boundary Feature to mark Boundary Lines, we suggest checking your title Deeds and speaking to a Local Expert.

As a general rule, you are not under any legal obligation to erect a Boundary Fence if you do not wish to.

There are many benefits to marking the legal Boundary, including Privacy, marking the Owner's land, Safety and Security.

My Neighbour's Fence is Falling Down

If your Neighbour's Fence is Damaged and there is no joint ownership, it can be tricky if your Neighbour does not carry out a Fence Repair to the existing Fence or erect a New Fence.

You may decide to repair your Neighbour's Fence as a favour to your Neighbour.

Do not do this without permission, as this could lead to an extremely difficult situation and may even be classed as Criminal Damage.

Likewise, if your Neighbour's Fence falls into your Garden, carefully place the damaged pieces back in your Neighbour's Garden to ensure no further damage is caused.

Two Fences are not uncommon.

It may be you prefer the smooth side of the Fence was showing, or you wish to obscure your Neighbour's Fence.

Installing a New Fence is permissible and gives you complete control without boundary ownership issues.

Neighbour's Fence Rules

Hopefully, you are on good terms with your Neighbours and have regular chats over the Garden Fence.

Of course, that may not be the case, and any good relations may turn when rules are not followed.

If you plan on adding, adjusting, or changing a Garden Fence that belongs to your Neighbour, always ask permission to avoid causing Criminal Damage.

Always ask your Neighbour's permission if you wish to;

• Paint the Fence

• Stain the Fence

• Hang Plants

• Hang Lights

• Hook on a Washing Line

• Lean something on the Fence

You will also need Planning permission to build within 1m of a Property Boundary.

Is there a Legal Fence Height?

A New Fence should follow the two-metre rule.

The fence should be two metres in height from Ground Level.

If you wish to add Trellis to the top of your fence, check with your Local authority as rules differ.

Property Boundaries, Boundary Lines, Boundary Disputes can play on all our minds, but if you follow the rules and communicate with all involved, Installing a Boundary Feature does not need to be a concern.

 For more Information on Boundary Rules - UK, check with a Qualified Boundary Expert or a Legal Representative. 

Click here for Your Property Boundaries on Gov.uk