08/05/2026
Kate Fowler, senior associate solicitor at law firm BRM, told Platinum Spas: “Plans attached to title deeds sometimes include a “T” mark to show who owns a boundary structure or is responsible for repairing and maintaining it. If the “T” mark points inwards onto your land, it usually means that the responsibility is yours. This should be confirmed in the body of the relevant title deed.
“If the deeds are unclear as to who owns a boundary feature, there is no legal presumption that determines ownership. Instead, it may be necessary to look at other evidence. For example, information provided on purchase of the property, knowledge as to who erected the boundary feature, or any long-standing agreement between neighbours.
"Where ownership or the responsibility for maintenance remains unclear, and the fence is on the boundary line, the parties may decide that the feature is a shared boundary. In this case, repairs or replacement should be agreed jointly, with costs shared. It is also possible to formalise arrangements through a boundary agreement, which can be registered at HM Land Registry.
“If your neighbour is responsible for repair and maintenance of a fence, but refuses to do so, a solicitor can assist you by determining whether you may have a contractual claim for damages, or a potential claim in private nuisance, depending on the facts.“
