Planning DIY projects around the home might seem easy to do, but once those tasks extend into the backyard, you might want to think twice.
Whether you want to spruce up your fences before the cold months hit, or simply want to weatherproof it with a fresh coat of stain, are you allowed to paint your side of your neighbor’s fence? And what exactly are the ‘rules’ for shared fences? After all, you don’t want to cause any neighborhood disputes.
To put this old age question to rest, we’ve asked the experts to shed light on what is best practice if you want to paint your side of your neighbor's fence. So, before you get your paint brush ready, here’s what they recommend.
Determine legal rights
Firstly, you’ll need to determine who the fences legally belong to, before even considering painting them. “There are some legal considerations here. If the fence is on their side of the property line, it’s technically their property,” Ben Michael, Attorney, M & A Criminal Defense Attorneys, says.
"Painting your neighbor’s fence, even if just on the side that faces you, could be considered vandalism, and/or the act of doing so could be considered trespassing. So, obtaining permission is crucial. Ideally, obtain permission in some kind of physical way, like a text or email, so that you have proof.”
Certain restrictions will also very/depend on what state you live in, so it’s best to always check. “In some states or cities, laws about shared fences state that both parties must agree to any changes,” adds Elena Novak, lead real estate researcher from Propertychecker.com.
“If you make changes without approval, you could get in trouble. If you don't have an agreement in place, your neighbor might even go to court to get the fence back to the way it was or ask for money to cover the damage.”
Speak with your neighbor
So what’s the best approach to take with your neighbor if you want to paint fences?
“The safest thing is to have a conversation,” advises Jacob Naig, Owner & Real Estate Investor, Webuyhousesindesmoines. “Just ask your neighbor directly, and get the agreement in writing (an email can be fine). Offer to cover paint and labor costs, and don’t be secretive about the color. Neutral, natural colors — gray, tan or stained versions — often reduce conflict.”
Additionally, avoid painting with a bright color tone that could be deemed an eyesore, or even offensive to your neighbors. After all, they’ll need to look at it every time they’re enjoying their backyard too.
“I recommend showing colors of paint in advance, with a preference for neutral or earthy colors that will be appealing from both sides,” agrees Sain Rhodes, a Real Estate Expert at Clever Offers .
“If your neighbor is uncertain, offer to pay for all of it and even provide them with a sample swatch so they can visualize what the finished piece will look like. Such collaborative action allows for the building of goodwill and avoiding any unexpected surprise that may lead to conflict.”
What’s the best practice of painting a shared fence?
In any case, always err on the side of caution, and experts advise that it might be better to hire a professional.
“Painting-wise, one should get the fence ready well before any paint or stain is applied,” suggests Rhodes. “A professional painter can sand, clean, and prime the fence, if necessary, to make it more long-lasting. They can also recommend UV protecting and weatherproofing paints that make it last longer, to your advantage as well as that of your neighbor.
“If you paint it yourself, purchase a good outdoor wood paint and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Flaking or beaded paint that is applied inadequately may end up causing damage to the fence over time and causing further friction with your neighbor.”
What’s more, hiring a professional will shoulder any liability (and extra costs), should anything go wrong.“Hiring a professional is often the best choice if the fence is big, broken, or needs special care,” agrees Novak. “They know how to avoid expensive mistakes, particularly when it comes to local laws or HOA rules, and they can finish the job quickly and safely.
“Mistakes, like accidentally damaging your neighbor’s side of the fence or using the wrong paint, can lead to disputes, property damage claims, or even legal action.
However, if it’s a smaller, simpler task and you feel confident in your skills, doing it yourself can save you money. Just be sure to properly prep the area, use high-quality materials, and give yourself enough time to complete the project thoroughly.”
So, if you want to avoid any neighborhood disputes (or ruined fences!), keep these rules in mind. For more top tips, check out 5 ways to maintain your wooden fence and keep it looking new.
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