Apple Valley, MN – Family-owned and operated fencing company Northland Fence recently published a blog on a topic rarely addressed: how to tell who the fence on a property line belongs to. It’s a useful read for anyone caught in a debate with their neighbor over who owns the fence separating their yards, and for any other curious readers.
“In most cases, determining whether something belongs to you or your neighbor can be pretty straightforward. If the object is on your property, it is yours; if it is on your neighbors' property, it belongs to them. For many fences, this method of determination applies,” the blog begins. It then goes on to address the confusing scenario of a fence standing on the property line of two pieces of land.
The blog points to legal documents as the primary indicator of fence ownership. “The paperwork that will most likely indicate the fence's owner would be transfer documents, conveyance deed, and title plan,” Northland Fence explains. A “T” indicates the fence belongs to the person with the documents, while an “H” means both neighbors own the fence and must maintain their side properly, according to the blog.
Next, the article explores Minnesota’s fencing laws. “The Minnesota Partition Fence Law is a state law that provides guidelines for fences that divide two properties,” the blog states. At least one owner must agree to have the land fenced, and one yard must be improved or used. It’s also possible to legally compel a neighbor to maintain a fence together, and if an individual wants to use the neighbor’s fence for their land, they have to pay for half of it. If a neighbor moves after agreeing to maintain a fence, the new neighbors aren’t responsible for maintenance without agreeing themselves, the blog informs the reader. If the law is in writing with the county, however, the new neighbor must help keep the fence in proper shape. Northland Fence also stresses the importance of checking local fencing laws, because they may differ from Minnesota’s.
Fence viewers may also help, the blog explains. These people can come to a property to determine who a fence belongs to if the neighbors can’t agree or find the answer themselves. Fence viewers can also settle disputes on who is responsible for repairing the fence. On that topic, Northland Fence warns readers that if a fence is fully on a neighbor’s property, they can’t fix it or modify it themselves. All they can do is build their own fence.
According to Minnesota law, neighbors must inform each other if they’re putting a fence on the property line, the blog says. Both neighbors may need to split the fence cost and agree on the type of fence used. The blog explains that often, a written agreement between both parties must be made and presented to the city before fence installation.
“Once you have agreed with your neighbor on who owns the fence and what the costs and responsibilities of that fence are for each person involved, you are ready to take that step in installing the fence,” the article closes.
Northland Fence Apple Valley is the newest venture of the 10-year-old fencing company. They are the highest-rated in Minneapolis at what they do, and offer extensive warranties on materials and labor for those who decide to install fences with them. Northland Fence works year-round with in-house employees. For more information on their services, visit their website or call them at 763-316-4881.
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For more information about Northland Fence Apple Valley, contact the company here:
Northland Fence Apple Valley
Kaya Quinn
763-284-9148
Kaya@northlandfence.com
6275 147th St. W Suite 102 Apple Valley MN
