What Is Property Line Dispute?

Good fences make good neighbors. However, how can we know where that fence should be? Properly line conflicts have existed since the beginning of property lines, and they may be a tremendous pain to resolve. Property lines, sometimes known as boundary lines, divide properties, although they can become jumbled with time, resulting in heated arguments about whose land is that. There are a number of things you may do to get ready to defend your home. If you find yourself in a land or property line dispute you have an option for resolving that is boundary survey.

What Is a Dispute Over a Property Line?

When two parties disagree on where one property stops and the other begins, a property line dispute might arise. When looking at a piece of land, property lines aren’t always obvious. They are sometimes unmarked, and the sole trace of them can be found in property records or the local county assessor’s office. There are two types of property line infractions that can lead to a disagreement. These are called:

Trespassing

Trespassing occurs when someone is aware that they are on your property yet continues to do so. When members of the public cross across rural area for hiking or hunting, this can happen. The key distinction with trespassing is that they should be aware that they are on your property but choose to stay anyhow.

Encroaching

When a neighbor (often inadvertently) builds a structure or allows a natural feature to grow into your property boundary, this is known as encroaching. It could be that they are starting to erect a fence that is a foot more into your property line than it should be, or that a neglected tree branch from their yard is dangling over your house. Encroachment could be a simple matter of telling your neighbor, or it could become a major headache. However, if you don’t resolve an encroachment issue quickly, it could become an easement on your land.

Are you looking for land surveying services to put an end to your property dispute for good? Redhawk Surveying dispatches the top surveyors in the country to your location.

How Are Disputes Over Property Lines Resolved?

There are a few methods to start resolving a property line dispute, but keeping things courteous is your best shot for getting things resolved.

Start a Discussion

Having a conversation with your neighbors regarding a property boundary can be difficult, regardless of your relationship. To avoid costly construction, it is best to bring up any property line conflicts politely and as soon as feasible. It may be as simple as giving them the proper boundary and describing the end of their property to resolve a property dispute (having a map can help with this).

If there is tension or an escalating conflict, it is better to try to reach an agreement with a mediator (such as a boundary survey) to avoid going to court.

Fences or signage should be installed

If you are a landowner who is having trespassing issues, the best thing you can do is clearly label your property with no trespassing or private property signs. These signs may be all you need to dissuade trespassers or foot traffic on your property, especially if a fine is attached.

You may always build a fence to keep trespassers and cars out while also protecting your property boundaries. This will clearly communicate your property boundaries, preventing any misunderstanding. However, be sure you aren’t intruding on anyone else’s property.

When it comes to completely defining property boundaries, hiring a professional land surveyor is typically the best option. Redhawk has land surveyors who can come to your property no matter where you are in the United States.