Often, a property is much more than a building. For example, if you’ve just bought a new detached home, then you probably have a garden, a driveway and maybe even some land.
Everything that you legally own is yours to enjoy. The problem is, the boundary lines of your property and land can become blurred. Should this happen, boundary disputes can arise. What are some of the most common examples of boundary disputes?
Disputes over the garden
Many people dream of having their own garden. It can become the pride and joy of a homeowner. Thus, it can be extremely frustrating if a neighbor erects a fence, or place their garden shed, on what you believe to be your land. Disputes over garden boundary lines are one of the more common types of disputes between neighbors.
Disputes over land use
Some houses have clearly defined roadways that lead up to them. Other houses may be part of a collection of homes with a shared road. In any case, the legal ownership of the road must be well-established. Some homeowners may not have an ownership stake in the road but have a legal right to use it. This is referred to as an easement.
Nonetheless, some individuals may choose to use the road without a legal entitlement to do so. This creates a potential boundary dispute.
Unwanted “guests”
Imagine you own a significant portion of land. You may have been planning what to do with it for a few months. So, you go to take a look only to find that someone has built a wooden lodge and appears to be living there. This is known as adverse possession and it’s a common type of boundary dispute.
In all of the instances mentioned above, it’s important to establish who is the rightful owner of the property in question. Seeking legal guidance can help you to do this.