Neighbor disputes: What to do when your neighbor invades your property
It’s time to intervene if your neighbor is pushing you out of your own house or yard.
An old adage states that “good fences make good neighbors.” This may be accurate for a lot of folks. There are some neighbors, though, who do not respect proper borders or fences. Depending on the sort of infringement, you have alternatives when a neighbor trespasses on your property.
What to do about your neighbor’s boundary issues
You have a boundary issue if your neighbor encroaches on or crosses your property line with their land, a fence, or even an extension to their home.
Talking to your neighbor and comparing deed documents should be your initial steps in dealing with issue. Your property lines should be specified in detail in the documents. You will have to consent to paying for a survey if they don’t. Depending on the nature of your relationship with the neighbor, you may decide to pay for this yourself or come to an agreement.
If your neighbor is encroaching on your land, they should remove their possessions once you are clear on your limits. If they decline, try to adopt mediation.
What to do about your neighbor’s trees
Some neighbor problems stem from things that happen naturally, like trees. The trees’ branches droop over your fence or snap and land in your yard. Perhaps the roots are encroaching on your land. Most states forbid any party from destroying a tree that is on a border.
It is the property owner’s duty to remove any leaves, pods, acorns, or other debris that may have fallen onto their land as a result of nature. However, your neighbor is liable for the cleanup and damage if branches fall and cause harm to your property for any reason other than a storm or an act of God. Similar to fences and other physical objects, if the roots are encroaching on your land, this is an intrusion. The owner of the tree is required to remove it if the roots extend into your property.
What to do about your neighbor’s pets
Perhaps their animals are crossing the border rather than your neighbor’s land. Unwanted “gifts” might be left or property can be harmed by a stray dog or tomcat. How you handle this depends on where you reside, as in most situations.
Many localities have laws governing pets, their care, and whether they must be on leashes. The owner may be held responsible for any harm or loss if the animal is dangerous or has injured someone. Sometimes, neighbors might get a court order requiring the confinement of the animal.
What to do if your neighbor trespasses
The most flagrant and ridiculous form of border crossing is, of course, the one when your neighbor actually crosses your boundaries. The offender cut a route across your front or back yards. Or perhaps you discover people using your property without your permission for activities like hunting, fishing, picnics, etc. if you reside in a rural location.
These circumstances are also covered by law. It’s known as trespass. It usually carries a criminal punishment.
The best and fastest course of action is to call the police if your neighbor is acting very dangerously or offensively on your property. If not, note their infractions and report them to the authorities. Obtain timings and dates. It would be extremely beneficial if you could obtain images or testimonies from witnesses to the incident. It is possible to penalize your neighbor and have them keep away from your property.