Which Fence Is Mine – Left or Right? A Simple Guide for UK Homeowners
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is which garden fence they’re legally responsible for. Whether you’re planning repairs, replacing old panels, or dealing with a neighbour dispute, knowing whether the fence on the left or right is yours can help avoid confusion and keep things amicable.
The good news? There is a clear process for finding out — but it’s not as simple as “you always own the left side.”
Below is everything you need to know, explained simply.
Do I Own the Fence on the Left or the Right?
There is no universal rule in the UK that says you automatically own the fence on the left-hand side or the right-hand side. It varies from property to property.
The only definitive way to know is to check your property’s Title Plan or Title Deeds.
How to Check Which Fence You’re Responsible For
1. Look at Your Title Plan
Your Title Plan (available from the Land Registry) sometimes shows boundary responsibilities.
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A “T-mark” on your side of the boundary means you are responsible for maintaining that fence or wall.
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A “H-mark” (two T-marks joined together) means the boundary is shared responsibility.
If there are no marks at all, that’s also common.
2. Check the Full Title Deeds
Older deeds, especially pre-1990s, may contain written details about boundary responsibilities even if your modern plan doesn’t show them.
3. Look for Clues on the Fence Itself
This isn’t legally binding, but sometimes real-world hints help:
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The side with the posts and rails showing is usually the side owned by that property.
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The “nicer”, panel-facing side is typically placed towards the neighbour.
Again, this is not guaranteed.
4. Check How the Estate Was Originally Built
On new-build estates, developers often allocate fence responsibilities in a pattern (for example, every house owns the left side). This can be consistent along a street, but only deeds confirm it.
What If the Deeds Don’t Say?
If there’s no explicit responsibility recorded, then:
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The boundary may be jointly owned, or
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Both neighbours are free to maintain their own side unless one wants to replace or alter the fence.
In these cases, the best approach is:
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Have a polite chat with your neighbour
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Agree responsibilities going forward
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Put any shared agreement in writing (informal but helpful)
Can I Replace a Fence That Isn’t Technically Mine?
No — not without permission.
If the fence belongs to your neighbour, you cannot remove, alter, or replace it without their consent, even if you’re paying.
You can, however:
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Install your own fence just inside your boundary if you wish,
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As long as it doesn’t exceed the typical 2m height limit (unless planning permission says otherwise).
What If a Fence Is Damaged or Dangerous?
A neighbour isn’t legally obligated to replace a damaged fence unless:
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It poses a safety risk,
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Or their deeds explicitly say they must maintain it.
Again, the quickest fix is usually a friendly conversation — most people want their boundary secure.
Summary: How to Know Which Fence Is Yours
To work out if you’re responsible for the left or right fence:
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Check your Title Plan for T-marks
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Review your Title Deeds
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Look for physical construction clues
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Discuss it with your neighbour if unclear
There’s unfortunately no “automatic left or right rule” — the answer depends entirely on your property.
