How to find out who owns a fence

Question

There's a fence between our garden and next doors that is falling apart. Neither of us is sure who owns it. How do we find out before one of us pays to replace it?

Lawrence · Accepted Answer

You'll need to check your title deeds and title plan.

To the left or right side isn't true, it comes down to who's land it is on.

Neil · Answer

If it’s the back garden as you look out of your back door your responsible for the left hand side of the fence

Nathan · Answer

Refer to the the official paperwork acquired when the house was bought. And check the boundry measurements, although if a person/party has been maintaining a piece of land for 5 years or more they are within there rights to claim that ground as there own. But still look into it correctly as this may have changed over the years.

Thomas · Answer

Ownership should be on property deeds hope this helps you

Sam · Answer

You will need to check your land registry title documents and ask your Neighbor to do the same. If neither document states clearly then you will have to come to an agreement with your Neighbor on a new fence.

James · Answer

A "T" on the title deeds will point to the person responsible for the boundary. But unless there is a specific covenant written in to the deeds you generally have no obligation to have a fence at all. But if you do have one it is your responsibility to ensure that it is not a safety hazzard (sharp nails sticking out, liable to collapse e.t.c.) An "H" on the boundary means joint responsibility.

Shane · Answer

Your title deeds may state which boundaries you’re responsible for maintaining.

Jay · Answer

Whatever person side that's slatted inside their garden

Sohaib · Answer

This is a very common situation and there are a few straightforward ways to find out:

1. Check your title deeds
The most reliable starting point. Your title deeds usually include a boundary plan showing which fences, walls or hedges each property is responsible for. An inward-facing fence (posts on your side) traditionally indicates your responsibility. You can download your title deeds from the Land Registry website for just £3 at gov.uk/search-property-information-land-registry.

2. Look for a 'T' mark on the plan
Boundary plans often show a small 'T' mark on one side of a boundary line. Whoever's side the T is on is generally responsible for maintaining that boundary.

3. Check your deeds for covenant clauses
Some deeds include specific wording about boundary maintenance responsibilities, worth reading carefully.

4. Ask your solicitor
If you still can't determine ownership from the deeds, your conveyancing solicitor who handled your purchase may have notes from when the property was bought.

5. Talk to your neighbour
If neither deeds nor Land Registry clarify it, the simplest solution is to agree to split the cost between you — this is actually very common and avoids any dispute.

Important note: If the fence is dangerous or falling onto a public area, your local council may require it to be dealt with urgently regardless of ownership.

Matthew · Answer

While not legally binding, it is common for the fence posts and framework to be on the owner's side, meaning the "good side" (flat panel) faces the neighbor.

To be certain you’ll have to check the property deeds. Hope this helps 

Spoon Solutions LTD

How to find out who owns a fence

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