"Is it the left fence or the right fence?" is one of the most common boundary questions — and one of the most misunderstood.
The myth of left vs right
There is no law that says you own the fence on the left or the right. It's a common belief, but it simply isn't a legal rule. Ownership depends entirely on your property's deeds.
How to find out which fence is yours
- Check your title deeds / title plan — boundaries are sometimes marked with a "T" mark. The T sits on the side of the boundary responsible for it. An "H" (two T's together) means it's a shared (party) boundary.
- Get your title plan from HM Land Registry — available online for a small fee if you don't have your deeds.
- Look at the transfer documents — these sometimes state who built or maintains a boundary.
The "good side faces the neighbour" convention is good etiquette, not proof of ownership. Don't rely on which side the rails face to decide whose fence it is.
Who is responsible for repairs?
The owner of the fence is responsible for maintaining it. If a boundary is shared, repairs are usually shared by agreement. Neighbours can't force you to repair a fence that's yours unless it's causing damage or a safety issue, and you can't be made to pay for your neighbour's fence.
If you're not sure
When deeds are unclear, neighbours often simply agree who looks after which boundary. Get any agreement in writing to avoid future disputes.