Unless you live on hundreds of acres of land, you have probably had to deal with neighbors in some capacity. In most cases, neighbors are not family members or friends but rather people who come from multiple backgrounds. The difference in lifestyle, socioeconomic level, and other factors may lead to neighbor disputes.

LAND BOUNDARIES

Land boundary disputes should always be resolved as quickly as possible. To determine your land boundaries, you can have a licensed land surveyor survey the property to mark the boundary lines. If you do not want to pay a land surveyor, you and your neighbor can also come to an agreement about the boundary lines. If you do decide to agree on a boundary, rather than get a professional survey, be sure to create a deed, signed by all parties involved, that specifies where the boundary is. It is a good idea to have an attorney draft the deed and record it with your county recorder of deeds.

In addition, you may have to get permission from your mortgage holder before doing this. If your neighbor is using your property, take swift action. For instance, if your neighbor is building a shed on your property, notify your neighbor immediately and forbid the use of your land. If your neighbor ignores your request, have an attorney write a letter to your neighbor stating that you will take legal action if the construction of the shed continues. You could sue your neighbor for trespass, and the court could order that your neighbor discontinue the use of your land. If you do not take action, your neighbor could acquire certain rights to use your land or possibly even ownership of the piece of land being used if enough time passes.

TREES

Trees can be an ongoing problem between neighbors. The following are common issues relating to trees: Damages to your tree. If your neighbor hurts your tree without your consent, he or she will usually be liable to you for the damages. Notify your neighbor about the damage first. If your neighbor is unwilling to compensate you for your loss, you can take legal action against your neighbor. In this case, make sure to have proof that your neighbor actually caused the damage.

Tree branches that hang on your property. If your neighbor’s tree branches hang on your property, you typically have the right to trim them up to your property line. You cannot go into your neighbor’s yard or damage your neighbor’s tree in the process. If you do, your neighbor can sue you for damages.

Contact a local attorney to find out your specific rights and responsibilities regarding this issue.

Dangerous trees.

If you fear that your neighbor’s tree will fall on your property, you should notify your neighbor immediately. If your neighbor fails to take action, contact your city attorney’s office. Most cities have ordinances or laws prohibiting hazardous trees. The city may fine the owner, demand that the owner remove the tree, or remove the tree for the owner. In addition, if the tree is dangerously close to utility lines, call the utility company, who may cut or trim the tree. As a last resort, take legal action against your neighbor by contacting a local attorney.  If you have a dispute with your neighbor, be aware that you have many options to resolve those disputes. Of course, working out your differences in a friendly and amicable manner is always the best solution. However, it is also comforting to know that you have legal rights that can be enforced should your neighbor be unwilling to cooperate.