fencing dispute

[Scottie55]

We own a terrace house and we have a wire fence between ourslevs and our neighbour on the left hand side (looking from the back door). The last owner erected a fence on his side of the wire fence (our boundary) which has now decayed to quite an extent. We have new neighbours and they have a dog, they are trying to bully us into erecting a wooden fence in replace of the wire fence. I feel that as we have a fence in place it is their duty to keep their dog contained on there property, and they should repair the fence on their side. they are now threatening to go to a lawyer. does anyone know if i am right or wrong.

[Postdog]

http://www.gardenlaw.co.uk/

The above site might be useful.

It sounds as though you are responsible for the fence on that side, thought you should know and or check. I say that because you say the last owner erected the fence on his side of yours, and it sounds likely. There is actually no responsibility to provide any fence, but you have done that, and you are happy with it, so end of if you ask me.

If the fence is no good for them, then I suggest they repair their old one, or, probably better for relations, go joint with you on a new one.

[ethandron]

Normally neighbours share the cost of fences if thats what they both want to do. If you are happy with the existing wire fence and don't want a new fence your neighbours cannot force you to pay for one.
Your neighbours are responsible for the actions of their dog and have a duty to keep it off your property (unlike cats that are free to roam anywhere.)
Best to try and sort this out pleasantly if possible.
Any lawyer would laugh at this if brought to them by your neighbours.

[sarahjess]

its your fence. you can do what you want with it , no matter what state it is in. but you are liable if it causes any damage to your neighbours or their property. your neighbours cannot force you to mend or change your fence but if they wish they can erect their own fence up against the existing one on their side of the boundary

[sumida-river]

to find out your rights on the land check out http://www.landsearch.net/