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Who pays for a new fence between neighbors depends on its location relative to the property line. If you build the fence entirely on your property, you are solely responsible for the costs of installation, maintenance, and repair. If the fence is built directly on the property line, both neighbors are typically responsible for the costs. In this case, it is essential to consult with your neighbor beforehand to agree on a plan for payment. While you should always inform your neighbor of your plans in advance, you generally cannot force them to contribute financially unless there are specific local laws, such as in California, where both parties might be responsible for costs unless a different agreement exists. It's a good idea to get a property line survey to know the exact boundaries before building.

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.

There are different types of pet fencing available to keep your furry family member safe:

• Chain link fencing is an affordable but not visually appealing option.

• Vinyl panel fencing is less easily damaged than wood. 

• Wood fencing is customizable but requires regular maintenance. 

• Metal iron fencing provides a sleek look but doesn’t block your pet’s view. 

• Electric fencing eliminates the need for a traditional fence, but it could be painful to your pet. 

• Picket fencing adds to your curb appeal but won’t contain most pets. 

• Brick or stone fencing stops pets from digging out of the yard but costs more.

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.