What Is a Property Line and Why Does It Matter?
Know your property line before building anything that may infringe on your neighbor's land
Knowing where your property lines are is key to starting any home addition, planting hedges or trees, or building a fence. Take the time to find out exactly where your property lines are before putting money and effort into any project that may encroach on your neighbor's land. Here’s what you need to know about property lines, from how to find them and what to do when neighbors disagree.
What Is a Property Line?
A property line defines where property begins and ends. It sounds simple, but property line disputes can create severe problems between neighbors. Knowing where your property lines are on all sides of your home is crucial if you plan to do upgrades or build additions to your home or yard.
You wouldn't want to invest in a new fence only to discover that you've installed it 1 foot beyond your property line and on your neighbor's land. Therefore, it's essential to do your research and be sure of your property lines.
It benefits you to know who owns a shared fence. If it falls on your neighbor’s property, they’re responsible for all maintenance, and if it falls directly on the property line, you share those costs with your neighbor.
Why Do I Need to Know My Property Lines?
It's necessary to be clear about your property lines because there are rules about building on your property regarding distance from the property line. For example, if you’re building a fence, some laws determine how far from your property line it must be located—between 2 and 8 inches on average, depending on the laws in your area.
Easements are another reason why it’s best to know where your property lines are. These allow your neighbor to access their property through yours. If your property has an easement, you cannot build anything encroaching on it.
How Can You Find Your Property Line?
There are a few simple ways to locate your property line:
Find your markers: If your home is relatively new—especially in a subdivision—you may be able to locate the property line markers. There will be stakes flush with the ground or sticking up a little bit. You probably won't notice them unless you look, but they’re easy to find.
Check your property plat: A plat is a rendering of your property and the surrounding area that includes details like mountains, lakes, buildings, and your property's boundaries. If you need further information, you can also look at your neighbor’s plats. Your property’s paperwork should include your plat, but you can also find it online or at your assessor's office.
Read your deed: The deed to your property will have a written description of your property lines. You may have to refer back to previous deeds for older properties to find the property line information.
Hire a surveyor: Hire a local surveyor for an accurate and up-to-date report of your property lines and boundaries. Remember that a surveyor's report may cause trouble if the surveyor finds an encroachment on either your part or your neighbor's. You may need to decide if an extra foot of yard is worth haggling over with a neighbor whom you’ve gotten along with for years.
How Much Does It Cost to Have Property Lines Surveyed?
Property line surveys differ in cost depending on the type you need. A boundary survey costs $100 to $600—this is the most basic option. Getting an official land survey will quickly clear up any confusion or disagreements since the surveyor will mark the property lines for you. The costs of your survey can increase depending on the extent of rough terrain, property size, and if the historical data is difficult to find.
What Can I Do if I Have a Property Line Disagreement?
Unfortunately, disagreements about property lines happen, making living next door to someone very uncomfortable if handled poorly. Everyone wants to maintain the best relationship with their neighbor as possible.
Some reasons for property line disagreements can include:
Pre-existing structures that infringe on the property
Deeds with different definitions of the boundaries
Inaccurate or outdated surveys
Old and incorrect plats
Overgrown trees and foliage with no claim of ownership
Fences built too close to the property line
Whatever the reason for a dispute, the best course of action is to hire attorneys to work out a boundary line agreement or adjustment. You can cede the disputed property to your neighbor or agree to leave a structure standing on your property while you remain the property owner.
Whichever way you choose to resolve the problem, it's best to do it as quickly and calmly as possible. Your home should be a sanctuary—and living next to a neighbor you don't get along with because of a few inches of grass or an overgrown tree is not worth the stress.
Sharon Greenthal contributed to this piece.