My neighbours want me to pay half for a new fence. I didn't want a new fence.
The complainant says
The fence between our gardens was old but standing. My neighbours told me they were replacing it and asked if I'd go halves, around £900 each. I said I was happy with the old fence and couldn't afford it right now.
They went ahead anyway and put up a much taller, fancier fence. Now they've sent me an invoice for £900 with a note saying it's a shared boundary and it's only fair. I've checked my deeds and it doesn't clearly say who owns the fence.
The other side says the neighbours, as the complainant tells it
They say the old fence was rotting and would have fallen over within a year, the new one benefits both gardens, and that it's standard for neighbours to split boundary costs.
Jury discussion (5 comments)
Deliver your verdict to join the deliberation. Back to the case.
Comment on the dispute, not the people. No names, guesses about who anyone is, or abuse. Jury room rules.
You said no before they built it. That's the whole case.
An invoice. From a neighbour. With a note. Incredible.
They chose a taller, fancier fence. You don't get to upgrade and send the bill next door.
It might be worth offering what a basic replacement would have cost, split. Good relations are worth something.
Only if you want to. You're not obliged.