The issue of fence repair can be complicated when you are not the one living in your property or the fence itself is on the property line. Making sure the right person is paying for the repair or replacement of a dividing fence or knowing when your tenant is liable and not you can make all the difference and avoid costly mistakes.
Dealing with Dividing Fences
Generally any damage caused to your dividing fence is shared between the 2 property owners and this makes sense. It doesn’t matter if you are an owner-occupier or an investor with tenants, any fence that borders the property line is the responsibility of both. There is even a set of laws for this situation which is appropriately named the Dividing Fences Act.
This act not only stipulates that both owners must kick in equal amounts for the repair of the fence but also for other situations such as re-alignment or re-erection. As with everything communication is key and its always best to discuss the situation with the neighbour to try and reach an amicable solution before it gets out of hand.