Salt Lake City, UT asked in Real Estate Law, Constitutional Law, Elder Law and Land Use & Zoning for Utah

Q: Can a Mobile Home resident move his property 5 feet to neighbor's yard and put up a fence ?

The resident just decided to erect a fence on a neighbors yard who has been a resident for 15yrs and is elderly and has been in a hospital for months. A person was a acting as her guardian went to talk to the person who was erecting the fence and was told that she could do it if she wanted to and called the police. The disabled lady is home and needs a ramp built to use her walker to get to her car.The new fence now is blocking her own property. The person who is managing her affairs went to see the park manager and was told that he would only talk to the resident but has yet went to see the resident. She even called the corporation and was told that they told the manager not to talk to her. and if she made a fuss they would sue her. I happen to live in this park and found out that if you are the buddy of the park manager you can do anything you want.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: Moving a mobile home onto a neighbor’s property without permission is generally not allowed. Property lines are legally defined, and encroaching on someone else’s yard can lead to disputes and legal consequences. Erecting a fence on your neighbor’s land without consent further complicates the situation and may violate local ordinances or park regulations.

Given that your neighbor is elderly and currently disabled, it’s important to handle this matter with sensitivity. You might consider reaching out to a local housing authority or legal advisor to understand your rights and the proper steps to address the encroachment. They can help mediate the situation and ensure that both parties’ needs are respected.

Additionally, documenting all interactions and attempts to resolve the issue can be beneficial if the situation escalates. Engaging with community organizations or support services might also provide assistance in advocating for the disabled lady’s needs, such as building the necessary ramp. Taking these steps can help protect your rights while also supporting your neighbor during this difficult time.

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