While it is not always a strict legal requirement to speak to your neighbour before replacing a fence, it is almost always a good idea. Clear communication helps avoid misunderstandings and can prevent disputes further down the line. If the fence runs along a shared boundary, it is especially important that both sides know what is happening and who is paying for what.

The starting point is to establish who owns the existing fence. This is not always obvious from simply looking at the garden. Sometimes property deeds or Land Registry plans may indicate ownership, but even these can occasionally be unclear. In practice, many neighbours come to a sensible agreement based on who has maintained the fence historically or who wants the change to happen.

If you are planning to replace a fence that currently sits on the boundary line, it is courteous to let your neighbour know your plans. You can explain why you want to change the fence – for example, it is in poor condition, you want more privacy, or you are upgrading materials – and discuss the proposed height and style. In many cases, neighbours are pleased that someone is taking responsibility for improving a tired or leaning boundary.

It is also important to make sure the new fence is installed in the correct position. A fence wrongly placed entirely within your neighbour’s garden, or well inside your own, can cause confusion in the future. As professional installers working in York, we are used to working along shared boundaries and will discuss the line of the fence with you on site. If needed, you and your neighbour can agree and mark the boundary before work begins.

Finally, do remember that planning rules around fence height still apply regardless of who owns the fence, particularly at the front of the property or adjacent to highways. If you are unsure about any aspect of ownership, boundaries or permissions, it is sensible to talk it through in advance. A simple conversation now can save a lot of stress later.