The incorrect answer is that the owner always pays the whole amount for the new fence. The correct answer is a little more difficult and depends on many factors.
Working together with your neighbour(s), you can help share the cost of a new fence while also sharing the benefits with their properties, benefiting everyone.
There are a lot of things to consider, and this article by In-Line Fence will help to explain some of them. Let’s dig in…
Will My Neighbour Cover Half of the Cost in All Cases?
Likely not, unless you both equally enjoy all of the benefits of the fence. Or if they are just really nice.
In many cases, other factors play a role in who pays for a fence:
Money. Although your neighbour may appreciate a tall, beautiful new fence, their financial situation may only be able to do the bare minimum. They may also not be able to pay right away and prefer a project moved to next year, which can complicate things just from a financial perspective.
Lack of communication. You didn’t speak with your neighbour about your project and this miscommunication (or lack of communication) could boil over and result in not having the necessary money ready to invest in a fence. Be open about the costs, show your quote and keep them up to date about the timelines.
Lack of approval of style. Not everyone likes a tall wooden fence, not everyone wants a low vinyl fence, and still others don’t want a commercial-grade chain-link fence. Be on the same page with your neighbours, and be willing to adjust your plan to ensure that both sides of the literal and figurative fence are happy.
Your neighbours might just be mean. Although your fence may help you and your neighbour, you may not be on the best terms with them. This could lead to animosity, misunderstandings and anger, resulting in them not being as supportive financially as you would have hoped.
Who Decides Who Pays for a New Fence?
Besides a friendly agreement between neighbours, a few ways exist to determine who covers the cost of a new fence.
It depends on the location. If your neighbour refuses to contribute to the fence, the entire fence must be built on your property. If the fence is built on the property line, both neighbours must decide on the fence installation project.
If a neighbour has a pool and is building a fence around their pool, then they would absorb all of those costs, even if the other neighbour has children.
It depends on the style of the fence. One neighbour may want a basic chain-link fence so that their dog doesn’t get out, while the other neighbour may wish to have the privacy of a wooden fence, which costs more money. Neighbours who want the more expensive fence should be expected to pay for the entire additional amount.
Our Fences Help Make You and Your Neighbours Happy
These rules may change over time or may not apply in your situation. In-Line Fence strongly suggests you speak with your local municipality’s bylaw officer to understand your rights and responsibilities.
We also suggest you take a look at Ontario’s Line Fences Act. It’s a great go-to document that helps to resolve disputes and clarify your rights.
Get Your Ontario Fence Quote
To help make discussing a fence cost with your neighbour a little easier, reach out to In-Line Fence for a no-obligation quote. This will give you an accurate look at your costs and help to better understand cost-splitting responsibilities.