When you buy a house, the seller may use landmarks to tell you where the boundary falls. They may point to a building, a fence or even a tree. Many people just assume that the verbally disclosed boundaries on their land that they learned years ago are accurate.
Such assumptions can lead to serious conflicts between neighbors. If you and your next-door neighbor do not agree about where your boundary line falls, that can cause major issues. From who has to maintain the lawn to the placement of a new outbuilding, boundaries can affect a lot of the decisions you make as a property owner.
What happens if you and your neighbor disagree about boundary lines?
If the two of you don’t agree and can’t resolve the issue on your own, that could lead to issues with maintenance of the land or even problems with constriction projects. Who determines where the boundary between your properties really falls?
Property records or a surveyor can settle the dispute
Sometimes, you only need to look at the legal description of your property to affirm where the boundary falls. Other times, you won’t be able to make sense of the legal description and will need professional help.
If the property records don’t immediately clarify your boundary dispute, you may need the help of a surveyor. A surveyor reviews property records and measures the properties involved to accurately establish the true legal boundary. If your neighbor won’t abide by the report issued by a surveyor, you may then need to go to court to have them uphold the surveyor’s determination and your boundary as established by property records and careful measurement.
Knowing how to respond to a boundary dispute can make resolving it a simpler process. Don’t be afraid to reach out for experienced assistance with your conflict.