Shared fence. Repair vs. Replace. Question and help needed.

[Octubre19]

My back fence is around 10 years old. Basic 6 foot panels. The posts probably have 3-5 years left (I have strengthen them with supports). The panels are rotting in places and again, I have patched them up on my side.

I cannot really see them, I have mature trees along back boundary.

My neighbours behind me – have no trees. So they can see the panels. They want to replace the whole fence with concrete posts and base, with new wooden panels – so it matches their side fences.

I am on a budget and would rather repair than replace.

They want to replace and think I should pay half.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[ostell]

What do your deeds say about the fence on the boundary? You may find that the trees are on your boundary and the owner behind erected the fence.

[Octubre19]

What do your deeds say about the fence on the boundary? You may find that the trees are on your boundary and the owner behind erected the fence.

It is a shared boundary fence. The last owners paid 50/50 when the fence was last replaced.

[ostell]

Nope that's not what I was asking. Who do the deeds say is responsible.

I go 50/50 on one of my fences even though strictly it is the responsibility of the other person. It does mean I get it done and I have a say in the appearance etc.

[Octubre19]

Nope that's not what I was asking. Who do the deeds say is responsible.

I go 50/50 on one of my fences even though strictly it is the responsibility of the other person. It does mean I get it done and I have a say in the appearance etc.

There is no mention the deeds. The only thing I can find is about the front boundary (It was a 50+ housing estate built in 1990)

In the TA6 (Property Information Form) from when the property was purchased by me in 2010 - all shared boundary fences were ticked as "shared".

Thanks.

[des8]

As nothing is mentioned in the deeds or land registry file you are not legally obliged to pay any money towards purchasing a new fence.
If your neighbours pay in full for the fence, they should ensure it is erected on their property line to avoid ownership issues from arising again in the future

As they want what sounds like an expensive replacement, tell them that you can't afford it, but are willing to make a contribution of £xx. Otherwise repair or let it collapse!

[Octubre19]

As nothing is mentioned in the deeds or land registry file you are not legally obliged to pay any money towards purchasing a new fence.
If your neighbours pay in full for the fence, they should ensure it is erected on their property line to avoid ownership issues from arising again in the future

As they want what sounds like an expensive replacement, tell them that you can't afford it, but are willing to make a contribution of £xx. Otherwise repair or let it collapse!

Thanks so much for your help.
Rgds!