Skip to main content

Ready to hire?

Post your job in minutes, browse real reviews and choose who to speak to.Post a job

Need some tips or advice?

Ask a question
Fencing

Neighbour refusing to let me stain her side of my fence.

Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 3.24 PM

Hi I'd be grateful for advice. I recently put up a feather-edged fence on my property, which I paid for myself. I now want to stain it, however my elderly (housebound) neighbour has said that she doesn't want her side of the fence done! I'm unsure why, given that clearly some of the stain is going to be visible from her side, which is going to look unsightly to say the least! She's the owner/occupier. Can someone advise me where I stand legally here? Am right in thinking that she can't stain/paint her side of my fence without my permission? Do I have the right to attempt to stain her side by leaning over from my garden? The wood is treated but is the unstained side going to be more susceptible to rotting over time? Please help! Thanks in advance.

Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?

Log in

6 Answers

DEACON ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Rating: 5 out of 5
Grimsby
Personally I would just move on and forget it. You have done your best, what’s the saying.. there is no accounting for folk.
Answered30 June 2019
2

Saltwater Limited

Rating: 5 out of 5
Lydney
If they are removable fence panels (either screwed to wooden posts or slotted into concrete posts) you could always remove them, stain/protect both sides and post then re-insert. After all they are your property. If it’s a continuous feather edged fence you’re probably going to have to just do your side and hope the unsightly streaks will prompt them to change their mind.
Answered30 June 2019
2

Ashbridge Fencing & Landscaping

Rating: 5 out of 5
Aldershot
A Difficult neighbour is the story of a fencers life! When it’s your fence and your boundary it should go your way but it’s going on their property that they can give your problems with. If she’s a tenant in the house you could try getting hold of the council or the person that owns it and get permission from them. Good luck!
Answered30 June 2019
2

D & S Fencing

Rating: 5 out of 5
Melksham
Afternoon If the neighbour is being difficult, I would seek legal aid, if you then decide to stain the fence and you are within your right to do so, you have piece of mind knowing that nothing further will come of the matter, I hope this helps? Regards Marcus
Answered30 June 2019
1

First Stop Landscapes Ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5
Cardiff
I would say that they must let you in to do it as it’s maintaining your property. I would suggest offering them the choice of colours and say you will do it when they are there.
Answered30 June 2019
1

J.E. Landscapes

Rating: 5 out of 5
Brighton
Only the owner of the fence may make any changes to it, even where the other side of the fence is on neighbouring property. This means that if you erect a fence in your garden, your neighbour must ask for permission before painting or staining their side of it. Similarly, they may not grow trailing plants up it or any similar activity which may cause it damage. As the owner, you must keep the fence in good repair and ensure that it is safe and does not present any danger to those around it. If you are in any doubt whatsoever about your fencing, it may be a good idea to contact the Citizen’s Advice Bureau.
Answered30 June 2019
1