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Thread ID: 134577 2013-07-16 03:58:00 Boundary hedge rny (6943) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1348974 2013-07-16 03:58:00 Hi all, a friend has been approached by her neighbour who wants to replace the present boundary hedge with a coloursteel fence that is suitable to keep his dogs on his property. He has supplied costings for the job including removal of the present hedge, total around 6k. Given that the present hedge is adequate for her, is she obliged for any cost of a replacement just because her neighbour wants something better? She has been given 21 days to respond other wise he has told her that he will go ahead anyway and she would be liable for half. Sounds dodgy to me. What do you guys think?

Rny.
rny (6943)
1348975 2013-07-16 04:01:00 His dogs = his problem.

I don't know legally how that stands up, though...sounds to me like he's trying to be a bit crafty, can't see how the neighbour would be liable for half. Talk to the council maybe?
wratterus (105)
1348976 2013-07-16 04:09:00 21days notice is correct if its in writing and all the details given, but the costing's are no so cut and dry - have a read of all the ins and outs www.consumerbuild.org.nz wainuitech (129)
1348977 2013-07-16 04:10:00 Liable is a strong word.
He certainly has the right to take her to Small Claims or Disputes Tribunal and he might win the case as the fence is adding value to both properties.
However he can't just have it done and then present her with the bill she has no obligation to pay on that basis.

If he has spoken with her all the way through the process and been "reasonable" in the request and reasons for the fence, he does have a good case to take further.
DeSade (984)
1348978 2013-07-16 04:11:00 Yeah, my thoughts too, it also looks as though the dog story is just that as he may be looking at a sale, (HE IS ALSO A REAL ESTATE AGENT) so perhaps he is trying one on.

Rny.
rny (6943)
1348979 2013-07-16 04:15:00 I don't believe a hedge is considered a "basic fence" so I don't like her chances of fighting this one. DeSade (984)
1348980 2013-07-16 04:16:00 She is now seeking legal advice, and has only been approached on one occasion with no negotiations. She has also responded as per
www.consumerbuild.org.nz and is awaiting his next move.
Rny.
rny (6943)
1348981 2013-07-16 04:30:00 If the fence is adequate, then it's up to him.

Don't let the friend be intimidated by this, control of dogs is the owner's responsibility.

Lurking.
Lurking (218)
1348982 2013-07-16 04:39:00 Based on this the fence is clearly not adequate.


Generally, if you want to build a fence on a common boundary, or upgrade an existing inadequate fence, you and the owner of the neighbouring property must go halves on the bill (for a basic fence).

Introduce yourself to the neighbour and be prepared to come up with a realistic proposal. A fence might be needed to serve several purposes – privacy, protection from wind and weather, to keep animals in or out, or provide an aesthetic backdrop. Don’t expect your neighbour to automatically have the same ideas on taste, or budget.
DeSade (984)
1348983 2013-07-16 04:53:00 Sade, you are putting the ball in the friend's court !.

As the other person commented, ring the City Council.

Lurking.
Lurking (218)
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