How to resolve property boundary disputes
You may have seen the recent news story in which this amusing image first featured! But it’s not all fun and games when it comes to whose land is whose…
{{cta(‘b74d578f-790b-414e-b859-d716a68ebce6′,’justifycenter’)}}
Boundary disputes can be one of the leading causes of issues between close neighbours, so how can you resolve these disputes in the best way possible, and what are your rights if you are engaged in a boundary dispute? Read on to find out more.
Informal Resolution
Neighbour disputes commonly occur over high hedges, trees or boundary lines. If one party feels that the other has part of their property (including greenery and fences) crossing the boundary line, this can be the cause of major issues. If you are wondering how to resolve property boundary disputes, then you should first try to resolve this informally. Have a conversation with your neighbour or write to them to keep a record of your correspondence. You must do this before the council is able to intervene.
Council Intervention
If an informal resolution does not work, you may ask for a council complaint form. You can do this if a hedge/tree is causing an issue. It should comprise two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs, which are over two feet tall. You should be able to prove that these are impacting the enjoyment of your home; for example, if you are suffering from a reduced light level.
Legal Rights
If the council complaint form does not resolve the problem, bear in mind that you do have some legal rights. You are legally permitted to trim branches or roots if they cross the boundary and fall on your property. However, you are only permitted to trim them up to your own boundary, and you cannot cross over into your neighbour’s territory.
However, when it comes to exercising your legal rights, you should be considerate of the aesthetics of the properties overall. When considering your legal rights, it is always best to discuss this with a professional before taking action.
Get In Touch
If you are wondering how to deal with boundary disputes and you require the help of boundary dispute solicitors, Bowsers Solicitors is here to help you. Whatever side of the dispute you are on, you should find out exactly what your rights are and get the right support for you. Contact us to see how our experienced solicitors can help you reach a boundary dispute resolution.
{{cta(‘1c9e1922-2a21-4a99-994c-533e4cff927e’)}}
Image Source: news.com.au