Homeowners urged to check fence responsibility before storms hit

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 09:58 · Archive

Storm Austen and Storm Boelo are due to bring strong winds across the UK, and homeowners are being urged to check who is responsible for their garden fences before damage strikes.

Storm Austen and Storm Boelo are set to bring strong winds across the UK. Homeowners in Cumbria are being warned to check their property deeds and title plans now to establish who is responsible for garden fence repairs, as disputes often arise after severe weather causes damage.

Many people assume ownership of boundary fences is straightforward, but legal experts warn that the position is more complex. Solicitors at BP Collins explained that a common misconception is that 'everyone owns the boundary to the left of the property'. In fact, there is no general rule to dictate which boundary is owned by a property owner.

The legal position is that a homeowner is only obligated to maintain a boundary structure where the deeds to the property show a repair or maintenance covenant to that effect. This means responsibility for repairing storm-damaged fences belongs to the owner of the fence, as specified in those deeds.

Homeowners can determine who owns a fence by examining their property's title plan. If it has a 'T' mark on their side of the boundary, they will be responsible for its maintenance. If two 'T' marks are connected, forming an 'H' mark, there will be joint maintenance responsibility between the property owner and their neighbour.

Where property deeds do not specify ownership, homeowners are advised to reach a mutual agreement with their neighbours to avoid costly disputes after storms cause damage.

How it is being reported

• Thousands could face fence repair bills after storms - but is yours covered?Storm Austen and Storm Boelo are due to hit the UK. But who is responsible for potential garden fence damages?Cumberland News · 23 Oct, 09:40
• Thousands could face fence repair bills after storms - but is yours covered?Storm Austen and Storm Boelo are due to hit the UK. But who is responsible for potential garden fence damages?Whitehaven News · 23 Oct, 09:40
• Thousands could face fence repair bills after storms - but is yours covered?Storm Austen and Storm Boelo are due to hit the UK. But who is responsible for potential garden fence damages?Westmorland Gazette · 23 Oct, 09:40
• Thousands could face fence repair bills after storms - but is yours covered?Storm Austen and Storm Boelo are due to hit the UK. But who is responsible for potential garden fence damages?NW Evening Mail · 23 Oct, 09:40

In this story: Storm Austen · Storm Boelo · Cumbria · UK · BP Collins

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