Spring Hill, FL asked in Real Estate Law and Civil Litigation for Florida

Q: neighbor put up fence on his property and wants half the cost for fence line that faces my property. Am I responsible

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My neighbor put up a fence between our yards and wants half the cost. Originally I was going to put a fence up and had half the bordering fence line in my estimate. My air conditioning went out so I decided not to do the fence because I couldn't afford it. My neighbor said he couldn't wait until I had money to do the fence and proceeded to put the fence up on his property. Now he wants half the cost for the bordering fence line. I'm unemployed and don't have the funds. Am I responsible for his decision to put the fence up?

3 Lawyer Answers
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
Answered
  • Freeeport, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: In general, no; not unless you previously agreed to share the cost of the fence, or perhaps if zoning regulations, covenants, etc. require a fence.

Barbara Billiot Stage agrees with this answer

Richard Paul Zaretsky
Richard Paul Zaretsky
Answered
  • West Palm Beach, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: From your statement, it does not appear there is a meeting of the minds on you paying for any part of the fence that your neighbor put up.

Although a good neighbor policy might be to pay for a portion of the fence, there is nothing legally obligating you to pay for it, based on your facts presented.

Barbara Billiot Stage agrees with this answer

A: Generally, if it's on his property, it's his fence. You cannot attach anything to it. Unless you agreed to the price and date/time payment would be tendered, my opinion is you have no obligation, especially since the neighbor said he couldn't wait on you.

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