Has your neighbour recently had a shed installed in their garden and the roof is hanging over your fence? This is a very common occurrence because people want the maximum space in their gardens, but they never think about the roof overhang. If this has happened to you then you need to carefully approach your neighbour.
TOP TIP: You cannot cut their roof and throw it back like a bush. This will make you liable for any damages to your neighbours shed roof.
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Approaching Your Neighbour
The key when approaching your neighbour is not to be aggressive and explain the situation. Maybe start with “the workers have not positioned your shed incorrectly”. Then explain it will cause water to spill into your garden and on your fence. Which is “NOT” acceptable because they are encroaching your boundary line.
The Next Option
If you have approached your neighbour about them encroaching onto your boundary line and they are not interested or do not care, then the next option would be a solicitor.
- Note dates, discussions and contact with the neighbour
- Take pictures of the overhanging roof
- Also, find pictures before the shed was erected
Start Court Proceedings
Take any pictures that show the encroachment and reveal these to your solicitor. They have extensive knowledge of court cases and can give you the likely outcome. If it’s a blatant encroachment then your solicitor will reveal the law to your neighbour in a headed letter.
They will also ask them to remove the overhanging shed roof or court proceedings will begin. If they do not take the roof down and it does go to court then your neighbours will likely be left with a heavy sum.
This is because they will need to pay any court costs you might incur by taking them to court over the fence encroachment.
The Conclusion – Over Hanging Shed Roofs
Hopefully by the time your solicitor start court proceedings your neighbours have corrected their shed roof. But, if they do not for some crazy reason your court case will most likely come out in your favour. Your neighbours will be issued with a 30-day removal order and any costs you have accumulated.
Good Luck 😉