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Best way to approach a neighbor about a fence line discrepancy?

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Alex_K
Joined:
26.12.2020
Posts: 292
Topic Starter
09.01.2025 10:32
I recently had a survey done for some landscaping work and discovered that my neighbor's new fence is actually about two feet over the property line onto my lot. I have a good relationship with them and really don't want to cause any drama or end up in a legal battle. Does anyone have advice on how to bring this up casually without making things awkward? I am hoping we can reach an agreement without involving lawyers, but I also want to make sure my property rights are protected for the future.
18 replies in this topic
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Fari_P
Joined:
28.05.2022
Posts: 666
10.01.2025 09:54
Honestly, just bring them a six-pack or some cookies and have a casual chat. Most people don't even realize they're over the line until a survey shows it.
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Phil_G
Joined:
05.05.2021
Posts: 2345
24.02.2025 07:14
In reply to a previous post
I agree with the previous comment. Keep it low-key at first. If you go in with a lawyer's letter, you've already burned the bridge.
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radek_c
Joined:
08.10.2022
Posts: 1326
08.03.2025 19:37
Make sure you have your survey map ready to show them. It's much harder to argue with a professional document than just your word.
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Marius_C
Joined:
28.01.2023
Posts: 1248
11.03.2025 17:32
In reply to a previous post
Great advice. Just make sure you frame it as 'fixing the boundary' rather than 'you stole my land'.
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Leon_M
Joined:
11.12.2023
Posts: 532
15.04.2025 04:43
Are you sure the survey is 100% accurate? Sometimes old markers are buried or misleading. Maybe double check before saying anything.
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greg_b
Joined:
08.11.2024
Posts: 2115
24.05.2025 08:13
If they are nice people, they might just offer to move it. Don't assume they'll be defensive right away.
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Leon_M
Joined:
01.04.2021
Posts: 1576
26.05.2025 00:37
I'd be careful. If you let them stay over the line for too long, you might run into 'adverse possession' issues depending on where you live. Definitely get something in writing.
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Chris_K
Joined:
30.11.2021
Posts: 708
16.07.2025 16:53
In reply to a previous post
What the user above said is crucial! Even if you stay friends, have them sign a simple boundary line agreement so it's clear for future buyers.
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Hub_K
Joined:
10.07.2023
Posts: 578
11.08.2025 20:13
I went through this last year. We signed a document stating they could keep the fence there as long as they lived there, but it reverts to me if they sell. Worked out great.
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regular_user
Joined:
02.03.2024
Posts: 1148
08.09.2025 15:49
In reply to a previous post
That's a smart compromise. It protects your property value without forcing them to spend thousands moving the fence.
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KnowItAll
Joined:
14.08.2021
Posts: 65
15.09.2025 09:33
Whatever you do, don't mention the legal side of things during the first conversation. Just act like you're 'clearing things up' for your landscaping project.
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Zina_P
Joined:
12.05.2022
Posts: 2408
18.12.2025 07:21
In reply to a previous post
Exactly. Keep it about the landscaping project. It gives you a perfect excuse for why you got the survey done in the first place.
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Nadia_D
Joined:
19.07.2024
Posts: 1889
30.12.2025 18:23
I'd be so annoyed if I were you. Two feet is a lot of land to lose!
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Yana_P
Joined:
16.12.2024
Posts: 1228
01.01.2026 22:09
In reply to a previous post
It is a lot, but is it worth losing a good neighbor over? Definitely try the friendly route first.
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Sophia_G
Joined:
13.02.2022
Posts: 755
20.01.2026 09:41
If they refuse to move it or sign anything, then you definitely need to talk to a professional. Don't let them walk all over your rights.
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Tim_G
Joined:
15.02.2025
Posts: 1181
28.02.2026 19:31
I'm in a similar boat, but my neighbor is a nightmare. You're lucky you have a good relationship with yours!
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Iva_R
Joined:
08.11.2024
Posts: 2105
21.03.2026 02:58
Try to be as non-confrontational as possible. Maybe say something like, 'Hey, I was looking at my survey for the new garden and noticed the fence line seems to be on my side. Can we take a look at it together?'
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Gosh_Bolo
Joined:
03.04.2025
Posts: 787
21.03.2026 17:08
In reply to a previous post
That phrasing is perfect. It's collaborative instead of accusatory.

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