Fencing and Neighbourhood Law: What Are You Allowed to Do?

Questioner

Hello, Are the neighbors allowed to screw something to our fence?

Lawyer

If the fence is your property and therefore on your land, then no. But if the fence is on the property boundary, yes, because then it is a shared property boundary. Without permission, both neighbours may do whatever they want with their side of the common property boundary. You may build against it and, up to half the thickness of the property boundary, install beams, bolts etc. in it, as long as you do not cause any damage. You may also paint and/or attach brackets for planters on the side of a wall or fence. Hedges may be pruned.