Can my Neighbour replace a fence without my permission?
Emily Ross
Published Jan 24, 2026
Your neighbour doesn't have to change a wall or fence just because you want them to, for example making it higher for privacy. You can't make changes to your side without their permission, such as painting it. If the wall or fence seems dangerous, point this out because your neighbour might not be aware.
Can my Neighbour force me to repair fence?
Unless the existing fence is causing a safety hazard on your side, there's very little you can do to force your neighbour to repair or replace it if they don't want to. This is understandably frustrating for you, watching the fence leaning, rotting or falling apart, but legally your hands are tied.
Can my Neighbour remove fence between our properties UK?
Can I remove a neighbour's fence on my property? Under UK law, you will need to legally prove that your neighbours' fence is on your property before you can go about the process of removing the fence.
Can a Neighbour remove a joint fence?
The Neighbour should have issued you a notice informing of the construction work going on. They should also have had the courtesy to discuss removing the fence with you in person, despite whether they own the fence. They should have asked for permission to work on your land!
Can I build a fence next to my Neighbours fence?
Yes. Yes, you can build next to your neighbour's fence. As long as you're inside your property line you're fine. One consideration: your posts might have to be staggered relative to the fence posts of the existing fence.
31 related questions foundWhat happens if you build a fence without planning permission?
If you don't get a permit and your planning application is rejected, the council can – and likely will – order your fence to be taken down. Housing authorities can be incredibly strict, especially if there have been several infractions and they want to make an example of someone.
How do I block my neighbors view?
Cheap Ways to Block Neighbor's Views in Gardens & Backyards
- Grow Hedges. ...
- Outdoor Curtains. ...
- Layered Privacy Plants. ...
- Wooden Boards. ...
- Privacy Fence Using Old Windows and Doors. ...
- Rolling Curtains. ...
- Bamboo Fence. ...
- Build a Container Garden.
How high can my Neighbours fence be?
The laws actually state that a fence can be as high as 100 meters. However, this is only allowed if proper planning permits have been obtained. This means that any fence under 2 meters in height does not require a permit.
How do you tell if a fence is yours or neighbors?
The best way to determine whether a fence is yours or not is by examining where it falls on the property line. If the fence is placed on your side of the property line between your house and your neighbor's, the fence is yours.
Who owns fencing between properties?
There is no general rule about whether you own the fence on the left-hand or right-hand side of your property. So forget any 'rules' you've heard previously that state otherwise – not everyone will own the left-hand side of their fence.
Can I legally paint my side of Neighbours fence?
If your neighbour owns the wall or fence
Your neighbour doesn't have to change a wall or fence just because you want them to, for example making it higher for privacy. You can't make changes to your side without their permission, such as painting it.
Who pays for fence between neighbors UK?
As one would expect, in most cases, the owner is responsible for any maintenance the fence may require. Again, as expected, party walls and fences would be the joint responsibility of both neighbours.
Can my Neighbour paint my fence on his side?
When it comes to fence painting, you can do whatever you want to your side of the fence. So, if it is your fence on both the outside and the inside, then you are free to do whatever you like in regards to painting.
Who is responsible for repairing a fence?
Normally, the householder who owns the fence is responsible for maintaining and repairing it. However, if any damage is caused to your fence by your neighbours, then it's their responsibility to meet the costs of putting the problem right.
Who is responsible for a boundary fence?
A 'T' shown on the inside of a boundary line signifies ownership of the boundary fence or wall and means that maintenance responsibility falls on the shoulders of the property owner on that side.
What can I do if my Neighbour won't repair his fence UK?
If the fence is in such a state that it presents a danger and the neighbour refuses to make any repairs, you can report the problem to your local council. The council can take enforcement action to force the neighbour to put matters right, but this is a time-consuming process that can take months or even years.
Who owns the fence between two houses UK?
Article Summary. In England and Wales, there is no legal presumption that a person owns or must maintain a fence or other boundary barrier on the left or on the right. Ownership of the boundary is normally determined by the builder who erects the buildings.
How do I know which fence belongs to me UK?
The furthest edge of the fence makes up the boundary to the property. To figure out which fence is yours, look at where the frames of the fence are. Those who installed the fence should have erected it facing away from the property who owns it, so that their neighbour gets the “good” side of the fence.
Is it a legal requirement to have a fence?
Surprisingly, there are no laws stating that home owners must erect fences around their property. Rather, many people opt for fencing or gates for the added privacy and security this will provide.
How high can a fence be without planning permission?
You will need to apply for planning permission if you wish to erect or add to a fence, wall or gate where: it would be over 1 metre high and fronting a road used by vehicles (or the footpath of such a road) or over 2 metres high elsewhere.
How high can a fence be between Neighbours UK?
The legal height of a fence is 6'6” or 2 meters. However, you can build or create your fence up to any height even more than 2 meters but you will have to get planning permission by the relevant UK authorities at your local land registry offices. Without their permission, you are only allowed a fence up to 6'6”.
How can I make my fence taller for privacy UK?
Adding Trellis
One of the most popular ways to add height to a fence is to add trellis. A fence topper is an easy choice as it is specifically designed to sit atop your current fence. Most fence toppers are 1ft or 2ft pieces of trellis measuring 6ft in length to fit the whole width of the fence.
How do I stop my Neighbours from looking over the fence?
Here are some examples:
- Erect a wooden fence. ...
- Plant trees, shrubs and hedges. ...
- Grow some bamboo. ...
- Grow ornamental grasses. ...
- Corrugated metal fence. ...
- Make use of super-sized planters. ...
- Hang outdoor curtains. ...
- Use of trellis.
How can I get privacy without a fence?
Cheap Backyard Privacy Fence Ideas
- Use Super-Sized Planters. Buy several large planters and fill them with tall, decorative grasses or flowers. ...
- Plant Trees Along Your Property. ...
- Build a Living Wall. ...
- Hang Outdoor Curtains Around Your Patio. ...
- Buy a Retractable Backyard Screen. ...
- Build a Privacy Screen. ...
- Put Up a Simple Lattice Fence.
How do I get privacy in my Overlooked Garden?
Tips to Add Privacy to an Overlooked Garden
- Maximise your fence height. ...
- Consider other garden screening options. ...
- Shield your garden from above with a pergola. ...
- Add an awning or parasol. ...
- Construct a summer house. ...
- Use low seating options. ...
- Make the most of climbing plants. ...
- Add screening trees or hedging.