Which side of the fence is considered yours?
Asked by: scraper | Last update: August 5, 2026Score: 0/5 (0 votes)
In Allegheny County, PA, the side of the fence facing you isn't a reliable indicator of ownership. To know definitively which side is yours, review your official property plat or hire a professional land surveyor. You can generally locate local records through the Allegheny County Real Estate Portal.
How do you determine which side of the fence is yours?
The Traditional Rule: "Good Side Out"
The traditional approach to fence orientation follows a simple principle: the "finished" or "good" side of the fence should face outward toward your neighbors or the street. This means the side with exposed posts and rails faces inward toward your property.
How do I know which side of the fence I am responsible for?
Check your title deeds or title plans to check whether a fence belongs to you or your neighbour. These will show the boundaries of your property. You should be able to tell if the boundary fence is your property by looking for a 'T'-shaped symbol or 't mark'. This may show on one or both sides of the boundary.
What are the rules for fences in Florida?
Backyard fences are usually allowed to reach 6 feet, and some jurisdictions permit up to 8 feet with a variance or special approval from the local zoning board. In Florida, for example, state law does not set a single statewide fence height standard for residential properties.
Which way does a fence face if it's yours?
The 'quick' answer is that the finished, or good side of the fence faces the outside of your property, visible to neighbors and the outside world. That being said, the fence posts (or poles), rails, and other hardware are installed on the inside of the fence line and face you.
How Can You Tell if a Fence is Yours
What is the 7 year fence law?
The Legality Of The Seven Year Fence Law
It cannot be tucked away and out of sight, or somehow concealed, as with a fence line overgrown by dense undergrowth.” If the occupant has seven consecutive years staying on the property and they did not hide their presence, then they have a claim for adverse possession.
Who gets the pretty side of the fence?
The smooth side or the picket fence side is nicer looking, and so many prefer to see this side. A common courtesy is to share the good side with your neighbor. It is important to note that any fence visible from the street should have a smooth side facing out toward the street.
What is the 7 year boundary rule in Florida?
In Florida, the "7-year boundary rule" refers to the statutory period required for adverse possession, allowing someone to claim legal ownership of land they do not own if they occupy it openly, exclusively, and without permission for seven consecutive years. A common misconception is that a fence automatically becomes the legal boundary after 7 years; in reality, adverse possession requires strict legal conditions, including paying property taxes on the disputed land and "color of title" (a faulty deed).
What is the 83 law in Florida?
Florida Statute 83, also known as the Florida Landlord and Tenant Act, governs the rights, duties, and eviction procedures for residential and nonresidential tenancies. It is divided into three parts: Nonresidential Tenancies, Residential Tenancies, and Self-Service Storage Space.
Does Florida have a good neighbor fence law?
Florida has no state law requiring neighbors to split the cost or maintenance of a fence. The person who builds and owns the fence is responsible for its upkeep unless a formal, signed contract is in place.
What if my neighbor and I disagree?
Dealing with neighbor disputes can be stressful, but there are several options available. Direct communication is the best place to start. But sometimes, legal action is necessary. Legal actions, like filing for an injunction or pursuing a small claims court case, should be a last resort.
Is it normal to split the cost of a fence?
If the fence is between the two properties, it's customary to split the costs between the property owners. However, if it's solely on your property or theirs, whoever owns the property the fence is located on should expect to pay the total cost of installation and maintenance.
What is the right side of a fence?
Q: Which side of my fence should face my neighbor? A: For wooden privacy or picket fences, the finished or “nice” side should face your neighbor. This is often required by local township or borough regulations. The unfinished side, which shows the posts and horizontal rails, should face inward toward your property.
Do you have to give your neighbour the good side of the fence?
Side and back garden fences between neighbours
There's no reason you shouldn't have the good side facing your garden. In practice, many people like to offer the nicer side to their neighbour as a goodwill gesture, especially if they get on well or if the neighbour has had the “good side” historically.
How do you know who owns the fence between properties?
Maryland doesn't have specific statutes related to fences. Instead, the state follows the common law practice that a fence on a boundary line belongs to both property owners as long as they both use the fence and there isn't an agreement stating otherwise.
Who owns which fence?
There's no universal rule that says which side of the fence is yours. Check your title deeds, they're the best place to start. If the deeds are unclear, look at who's maintained the fence or how it's built. Never paint, attach to, or replace a fence that's not yours without permission.
What is the 85% rule in Florida?
Florida statutes also require that all individuals with offenses committed on or after October 1, 1995 serve a minimum of 85% of their sentence. 2 Thus, an offender cannot be released from prison until they have satisfied that minimum amount of their term.
Can you refuse to show ID to police in Florida?
You can refuse to show your ID during a consensual police encounter, but you cannot refuse if you are being lawfully detained or arrested. Florida law requires you to identify yourself if an officer has reasonable suspicion that you are committing, have committed, or are about to commit a crime.
What is the 408 rule in Florida?
Florida Rule of Evidence 408 (codified as Florida Statutes Section 90.408) makes evidence of settlement offers, compromises, and related negotiations inadmissible in court to prove liability, the absence of liability, or the value of a disputed claim.
Can I remove a neighbor's fence on my property in Florida?
In Florida, you cannot legally remove a neighbor’s fence yourself—even if it is on your property—without first taking specific legal steps. Taking matters into your own hands by tearing it down can result in criminal charges for property destruction or a civil lawsuit.
What is the 50 mile rule in Florida?
In Florida, the "50-mile rule" refers to Florida Statute § 61.13001, which dictates that a parent with an existing custody or time-sharing order must obtain written consent from the other parent or court approval before relocating 50 miles or more from their current principal residence.
How to deal with neighbors who don't respect property boundaries?
If you're in an argument with a neighbor over a property issue, follow these steps:
- Stay civil. ...
- Hire a surveyor. ...
- Check your community's laws. ...
- Try to reach a neighbor-to-neighbor agreement. ...
- Use a mediator. ...
- Have your attorney send a letter. ...
- File a lawsuit.
How to tell who the fence belongs to?
Practical Steps to Determine Fence Ownership
- Step 1: Check Property Deeds. Start by examining the property deeds, as they often contain detailed descriptions of boundary lines. ...
- Step 2: Review Local Ordinances. ...
- Step 3: Hire a Professional Surveyor. ...
- Step 4: Discuss With Your Neighbor.
What are common fencing mistakes?
Measuring Incorrectly
If you're installing the fence yourself, you need to take your time and measure everything carefully multiple times. A single off-set post can affect your entire fence line. Additionally, you don't want to buy too little or too much material.
What does a good fence make good neighbors mean?
"Good fences make good neighbors" is a proverb meaning that clearly defined boundaries—whether physical property lines or personal limits—foster better relationships by preventing misunderstandings, ensuring privacy, and respecting personal space.