If you can get photos or statements from people who witnessed the event, that will be of tremendous help. Otherwise, document their trespasses and file a police report. If the neighbor is on your property doing something particularly offensive or dangerous, calling the police is the best and most immediate way of dealing with them. Many times, it carries a criminal penalty. There is a law that covers these situations as well. Or, maybe you live in a rural area, and you find them hunting, fishing, picnicking, etc., on your land without your permission. The person has cut a path through your back yard, or your front yard. Last, but not least, is the most egregious and outrageous type of boundary crossing-your neighbor is what is crossing your borders. In some cases, neighbors can get a court order to have the animal confined. If the animal in question is dangerous, or has hurt someone, the owner can be held liable for any injury or damage. Many cities have ordinances covering pets and how they should be kept and whether they need to be leashed. As with most cases, how you deal with this depends on where you live. A wandering tomcat or unleashed dog can leave unwanted 'gifts' or otherwise damage property. Perhaps it is not your neighbor's property that is crossing the line, it is their animals. If the roots cross your property line, the tree owner has to remove it. If the roots are pushing onto your property, they are considered an encroachment in the same manner as fences and other physical belongings. However, if branches fall and cause damage on your property for any reason other than a storm or act of God, your neighbor is responsible for the cleanup and damage. Leaves, pods, acorns and the like falling onto your property are considered a natural occurrence and are the property owner's responsibility to clear away. If the tree is on a boundary, most states will not allow either party to destroy it. Maybe the roots are pushing through onto your property. The limbs hang over the fence you built or break and fall into your yard. Some neighbor disputes have a naturally occurring root, namely, trees. Otherwise, you will have to go to court and have a judge order the guy next door to keep his things next door. If yours does not, you can hire a private mediator to help you work through the encroachment issues. Many homeowners associations offer mediation services. Whether you pay for this yourself or work out a deal with the neighbor will depend on the state of your relationship with that person.Īfter you know exactly where your boundaries are, your neighbor should move their belongings if they are infringing on your property. If they don't, then you will have to agree to pay for a survey. The exact wording of the deeds should tell you where your property lines are. The first step in dealing with this is to talk to your neighbor and then compare deed copies.
If your neighbor puts their property, a fence, or even an addition to their home on or crossing you property line, then you have a boundary dispute. What to Do About Your Neighbor's Boundary Issues When a neighbor unlawfully encroaches on your property, you have options depending on the type of infringement. However, some neighbors who do not respect good fences or any other border. There is a saying, "Good fences make good neighbors." For many people, this could be true.