Naturenet: Boundaries and Encroachment (2024)

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Naturenet: Boundaries and Encroachment

Boundaries
Encroachment, and 'adverse possession'

Naturenet: Boundaries and Encroachment (9)In England or Wales, there’s usually no record of the exact boundary between neighbouring properties, or who owns the hedge, wall, tree or fence between properties. Boundaries are set by the deeds of the property but don't usually give exact information. You can apply to the Land Registry to get the exact boundary determined, but if your neighbour disagrees with you this can be an expensive process - and there's no guarantee it will come out the way you want either.

Normally, land can only change ownership by a complicated legal transaction. There are, however, certain circ*mstances in which a person can gain ownership of a piece of land simply by being on it for long enough. This part of the law is complicated, and we recommend you seek advice if you have to deal with this sort of thing.

In simple terms, the law means that if a neighbour of yours moves their fence by a few metres one year, and you do not complain or even mention it for a certain period of time, they could then legally claim to be the owners and occupiers of the land. The key elements are usually the fence or other boundary, and the use of the land. Usually, the land must be used as a part of the holding to which it is being attached, for example if a garden adjoins the land, the land encroached upon would probably need to be used as a garden too, to stand a chance of being claimed. In practice this need not mean much other than that it is not being used for anything obviously different. In addition, the boundary must be clearly marked. It is not normally possible for someone to claim a bit of land which is not adjacent to their own.

This process is known as 'adverse possession'. Adverse possession is a difficult and technical area of the law that involves the exclusive occupation of land in a way that is inconsistent with the rights of the existing owner.

An existing owner loses his or her ownership after there has been uninterrupted adverse possession for the “relevant period” laid down in the Limitation Act 1980. The relevant period is never less than 12 years. In the case of the Crown’s ownership (for example, Ministry of Defence land) the relevant period is never less than 30 years.

The person claiming the land, if successful, could sell the land to someone else, or use it themselves. A very common example of this which concerns countryside managers is where a long line of houses back onto, say, a woodland or heathland. The area immediately behind the houses tends to get adopted by the residents, gradually or even suddenly. They may throw garden rubbish over the fence and gradually move the pile further and further as it gets bigger. Or they may decide they simply like a neighbouring piece of land, put a fence around it, and start installing gnomes and swimming pools. In either case it is important for the landowner to put a stop to it immediately. This is because as soon as any person in the row sells their house, a wily solicitor may notice the state of affairs, suggest that a bigger garden would increase the value of the house, and start the legal process of declaring ownership of the land. If one householder succeeds, others will notice, and do the same. Gradually, the countryside will be whittled away, and turned into shrubberies! A shocking thought.

To stop this process in this example is not difficult, but may involve a little expenditure.

  • Mark your boundaries. A concrete post with the initials of your organisation, or just a coloured top, is very common, for example at the edge of highways. A permanent fence, wall or hedge will do as well, but could be more expensive and controversial.
  • Make sure you use the land (e.g. walk over it) every year at least. Record when you do so. If you are really keen then take a witness, video it, photograph it, whatever. This will also tell you what is going on!
  • Inform the neighbours, by letter, where your boundary is. If they are going to dispute it, they will have to do so after receiving such a letter, or else keep quiet for at least twelve years.
  • Record carefully all transactions. Deposit a statement of your boundaries with a solicitor - the solicitor will advise you how to do so, and charge you for the privilege. This is because someone might need to know what you said in twenty years time.

The Seven Year Rule

Adverse posession affects land ownership, not planning status. So this is different from the so called 'Seven year rule' which comes from Section 157(4) of the Planning and Development Act 2000. This means local authorities can't serve enforcement notices for an unauthorised development when seven years have passed since the commencement of the development. So for example, if you complain to the local planning authority about your neighbour doing something on their land that you don't like, if they've been doing it for seven years or more you might not have any luck stopping it.

Land Registry Practice Guide 4 - Adverse possession of registered land

Land Registry Practice Guide 5 - Adverse possession of (1) unregistered land (2) registered land where a right to be registered was acquired before 13 October 2003

Boundary Problems: boundary disputes and private right of way cases in UK.

Resolving neighbour disputes: Gov.uk page

Naturenet: Boundaries and Encroachment (2024)

FAQs

What is environmental encroachment? ›

Encroachment is a term used to describe the advancement of structures, roads, railroads, improved paths, utilities, and other development, into natural areas including floodplains, river corridors, wetlands, lakes and ponds, and the buffers around these areas.

What is an encroachment or violation of a law? ›

Encroachments are situations in real estate when part of the property extends beyond its borders and onto another property. It can also be referred to as the violation of contractual property rights by illegally building or extending structures onto neighboring properties without approval.

What is the 7 year fence law in Arkansas? ›

The Arkansas Supreme Court requires a minimum of seven year to claim property through boundary by acquiescence. However, some cases merely require a “long-period of time.” This opens the door for arguments that boundaries can be taken in less than seven years.

What is the best way to discover most encroachments on a piece of property? ›

To find this information, look at your property's deed or contact a land surveyor. If you think someone is encroaching on your land, you can also order a title search. This is helpful because it shows whether any easem*nts or deeds have been granted prior to the new owner's ownership.

What is typically used to prove there are no encroachments on the property? ›

Setting up a professional land survey

The professional surveyor will be able to tell how much land is being encroached upon and can research how long there's been a problem. The survey might even uncover that there is no problem at all, and that the structure in question rests on your neighbor's property.

What is an encroachment FEMA? ›

Encroachments are activities or construction within the floodway including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, and other development.

What is an example of encroach? ›

​[intransitive] encroach (on/upon something) (disapproving) to begin to affect or use up too much of somebody's time, rights, personal life, etc. I won't encroach on your time any longer. He never allows work to encroach upon his family life. Gradually the negative feelings encroached into her work.

What is community encroachment? ›

Essentially, encroachment means going onto someone else's property without their permission. This is most often seen in HOA communities in the form of a person's garden, fence, patio, or other additions crossing their property line, no matter how slightly.

What is the primary danger of allowing an encroachment? ›

What is the primary danger of allowing an encroachment? over time, the encroachment may become an easem*nt by prescription that damages the property's market value.

What are sentences for encroachment? ›

He seemed to sense my encroachment, and increased his. An adverse Judgment would have represented an encroachment on press freedom to report on political matters. Some politicians also saw it as a further encroachment of the German military into civilian life.

What is the difference between encroachment and encumbrance? ›

Encroachment is an encumbrance. It is similar to an easem*nt but hasn't received an agreement. For example, if your neighbor asks for permission to use your private road, they need an easem*nt. In contrast, if the neighbor builds a gate blocking your road, that is an encroachment.

How close to the property line can I put my fence? ›

How Close To The Property Line Can I Build? Fences are typically built between 2 and 8 inches from the line between properties. Some areas will allow the building of fences directly on the property line, but in this case, you'll have to cooperate with your neighbor and potentially share the cost of the fence.

How far does a fence have to be from the property line in Arkansas? ›

In Arkansas, no laws regulate the distance a fence must be from the property line. However, we recommend building the fence at least two feet from the property line. This gives you room to make repairs or adjustments to the fence without needing to trespass on your neighbor's land.

How close to your property line can you build? ›

The exact amount a building needs to be set back from the property line will vary from one location to another. However, the required setback on the side is typically between 5 – 10 feet, while the front and back require around 10 – 20 feet at a minimum.

What is the property map that indicates any encroachments and easem*nts called? ›

A plat map is a map of a town or subdivision indicating the location and boundaries of individual properties. A plat generally shows details of a property like lots, blocks, streets, public easem*nts and monuments.

How do you write an encroachment letter? ›

Tips for writing an effective encroachment letter
  1. Be specific about the nature of the encroachment and how it is affecting your property.
  2. Include any relevant documentation, such as maps, surveys, or photographs, to support your claims.
  3. Be polite and respectful, even if you are upset or frustrated.
Jan 1, 2023

Which of the following would be used by a purchaser to reveal encroachments? ›

Real property rights are those of land, government, and ownership, not deed rights. Which of the following would be used by a purchaser to reveal encroachments? A survey would be used to discover zoning setback violations or encroachments.

Which of the following is true concerning an encroachment? ›

Which of the following is TRUE concerning an encroachment? It constitutes actual notice. Priority of liens is set by: Order of recordation.

What is the name of the method for identifying the boundaries of a property? ›

Metes and bounds are the boundaries of a parcel of real estate that identified by its natural landmarks. Metes and bounds landmarks are often used in a “legal description” of a land. Legal description is the geographical description of a land that identifies its precise location, and is kept with the deed of the land.

What is any lien restriction encroachment or claim on a property known as? ›

An encumbrance is a claim against a property by a party that is not the owner. An encumbrance can impact the transferability of the property and restrict its free use until the encumbrance is lifted.

What are issues of encroachment? ›

Put simply, an encroachment in real estate is when another property owner puts up a structure that intrudes on (or over) your land. This issue might come up if, for example, a neighbor builds a shed that is partially over your property line, or expands his house so that a porch ends up on your property.

What is encroachment management? ›

Encroachment management involves three key areas: prevention, reporting, and the corrective process. Prevention. • Metropolitan typically sends written notifications to property owners to make them aware of facilities located within easem*nts or ROW on their lands. •

What is encroachment a form of? ›

Encroachment in real estate is a type of encumbrance that refers to when a neighbor builds or extends a property feature so that it encroaches – or intrudes – either on or over your property.

What is the difference between encroach and trespass? ›

Encroachment happens when someone traverses boundaries outlined in a survey, violating the property rights of another property owner. Encroaching on someone else's property is akin to trespassing—that is, entering another person's grounds without their express permission.

What are the characteristics of encroaching? ›

encroach suggests gradual or stealthy entrance upon another's territory or usurpation of another's rights or possessions. infringe implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative.

What is another term for an encroachment? ›

synonyms for encroachment

On this page you'll find 24 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to encroachment, such as: inroad, intrusion, invasion, and trespass.

Why would a buyer want to know if any easem*nts or encroachments exist on a property? ›

Why would a buyer want to know if any easem*nts or encroachments exist on a property? Both easem*nts and encroachments affect the property's lot size, enjoyment, and use, which can affect a property's value.

How should a prospective property purchaser protect against possible encroachments that may exist on a property under consideration for purchase? ›

How should a prospective property purchaser protect against possible encroachments that may exist on a property under consideration for purchase? They should get a boundary survey prepared for the property.

What is the California definition of encroachment? ›

In California, an encroachment is typically considered to be a building or other structure beyond the boundaries of land on which it was rightfully constructed, onto adjoining land, without the permission or consent of the adjoining landowner.

What is a lien imposed against property without consent of an owner called? ›

Involuntary Lien: A lien imposed against property without consent of the owner. Taxes, special assessments, federal income tax liens, and State tax liens are examples of involuntary liens.

Is a house an appurtenance? ›

Appurtenances are considered to be any permanently fixed item on a parcel of land. A building, such as a house, garage, shed, or barn, is considered to be an appurtenance.

What is meant by a lien theory state? ›

What is lien theory? In lien theory states, the borrower holds the title to the property. Instead of a Deed of Trust, a Mortgage is recorded in the public record and acts as a lien against the property until the debt is paid off. With a mortgage, a homeowner has both legal and equitable title.

What is encroachment and what is the penalty? ›

Encroachment is if a defensive player enters the neutral zone and contacts an offensive player or the ball before the snap or interferes with the ball during the snap. The play is dead immediately. What is this? Report Ad. Penalty for encroachment: Loss of five yards from the line of scrimmage.

What is an example sentence for over the fence? ›

Definition of 'over the fence'

He threw his radio down, and clambered over the fence opposite the house. "Then I heard Coll calling out, and she jumped over the fence toward us. Sandy would see her over the fence on a sunny day, in her brown cardigan buttoned tight, making her way down her yard with a pan of ashes.

When a landowner has the right to travel over the property of an adjoining landowner? ›

More simply, an easem*nt is the right to use another's property for a specific purpose. Rights-of-way are easem*nts that specifically grant the holder the right to travel over another's property.

What are the most common types of encumbrances? ›

Common Types Of Encumbrances. Encumbrances can cover a variety of financial and non-financial claims on a property. The most common types of encumbrances are legal encumbrances, financial encumbrances, easem*nts, restrictive covenants and leases.

What is a typical example of an involuntary lien on a home? ›

A common example of an involuntary lien is a tax lien. A tax lien is issued by the government when taxes are owed. If you avoid paying income taxes or property taxes on your home, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will file an involuntary lien to alert creditors that they have a right to your property.

Do I have to give my Neighbour the good side of the fence? ›

If you're the courteous type and enjoy getting along with your neighbours, it would be generous to show the smooth side of the fence towards them, but this is far from being an established convention and there's absolutely no obligation to do so if you don't want to.

Can I build a fence right next to my neighbors fence? ›

As a rule, if a fence is not a boundary fence, it must be built at least two feet inside your property line. The best options for building near a neighbor's existing fence are placing the new one right up against the current one or leaving enough space between the fences for someone to mow.

Can I put a fence up next to my Neighbours fence? ›

Yes, you can build next to your neighbour's fence. As long as you're inside your property line you're fine. One consideration: your posts might have to be staggered relative to the fence posts of the existing fence. Staggered posting avoids interference with existing piers.

How close to a property line can you put a fence? ›

Check Rules and Regulations

Typically, fences are installed anywhere from 2 to 8 inches from a property line in most areas. Some areas might allow to go right up to a property line, especially if you live in an urban row house where every inch makes a difference!

How close can you build to your property line in Arkansas? ›

Fence Distance and the Property Line

In Arkansas, no laws regulate the distance a fence must be from the property line. However, we recommend building the fence at least two feet from the property line. This gives you room to make repairs or adjustments to the fence without needing to trespass on your neighbor's land.

Can you build right up to the boundary? ›

To cut a long story short, under the Party Wall Act, any homeowner has the right to build up to the boundary line, or complete party wall works, without permission and can stretch their development to sit astride the boundary wall or line with your express permission.

How close to the property line can I build a garage? ›

Although exact setback requirements differ, the standard setback is 5 to 10 feet from your property line. You'll likely also have to set back your garage at least 15 feet from your main home—although you'll want to double-check your area's building codes for the specifics.

What is considered an encroachment? ›

Encroachment occurs when a property owner trespasses onto their neighbor's property by building or extending structures beyond their property line. Property owners may encroach on their neighbors intentionally or unintentionally.

What is the most common type of easem*nt? ›

Affirmative easem*nts are the most common. They allow privileged use of land owned by others. Negative easem*nts are more restrictive. They limit how land is used.

What is a significant encroachment? ›

Major Encroachment

Some property encroachment issues should definitely cause a red flag. Construction of a garage or part of a house on your property would fall into this category. Other items that can cause issues are an overhang or a tree branch that extends from your neighbor's land onto your property.

How wide are most easem*nts? ›

A typical water or sewer easem*nt is 20 feet in width but may be 30 feet or wider depending upon the diameter of the water or sewer main and the depth of the main. Why is it important to keep utility easem*nts/rights-of-way clear?

What are easem*nts rights of ingress? ›

Ingress/egress rights are generally obtained via an easem*nt, which is the right to use someone else's property for a specific purpose. For example, ingress and egress easem*nts may govern the use of a shared driveway or the use of a private road to reach one's property.

What is property over which an easem*nt runs known as? ›

The parcel over which the easem*nt runs is called the servient estate. An appurtenant easem*nt attaches to the ownership of the dominant estate.

What causes encroachment? ›

Its causes include land use intensification, such as high grazing pressure and the suppression of wildfires. Climate change is found to be an accelerating factor for woody encroachment. The impact of woody plant encroachment is highly context specific.

What is encroachment in surveying? ›

According to the ACSM Dictionary of Surveying Terms, the definition of Encroachment is: 1. A building, a part of a building, or obstruction which intrudes upon or invades a highway or a sidewalk or trespasses upon the property of another. 2. The act of trespassing upon the domain of another.

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