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If the fence is on one neighbor’s property, that person is responsible for repairs, regardless of who benefits from the fence more. The other neighbor must keep trees and other obstacles from crossing the property line and affecting the fence. If the fence is directly on the property line, though, who owns a shared fence ? Many states have laws that address this issue. Typically, the two property owners would share responsibilities and costs for fence maintenance and repair. You may need a property line survey to precisely determine ownership and responsibility.

A fence post set in concrete lasts anywhere from five to over 25 years, depending on how well the concrete was applied and the fence post’s material. Untreated wood posts in concrete could last less than 10 years, but a durable, treated wood set in properly applied concrete could last a few decades. However, all fence posts will wear out eventually, so expect to need to replace your fence post every five to 15 years.

A high-quality wrought iron fence should last you a lifetime, but it will require some TLC on your end. Wrought iron fences are incredibly strong and durable, but they can be susceptible to rust and corrosion, so you’ll need to clean and refinish your fence every two to three years. If you notice rust developing, hire a professional fence repair company to clean the rust and reseal the area of fencing to prolong its life span.

Most homeowners don't need to inform their neighbors before constructing a fence, according to the law, but you will need to make sure that you’re building on the property line or on your side of the property line. Otherwise, the neighbor could complain, which would require you to tear down and reinstall the fence. In any case, keeping them in the loop is the neighborly thing to do!

Whether you inform your neighbors or not, always use property records and a land survey to ensure your fence stays within your property boundaries.