Can You Paint Your Side Of Your Neighbor's Fence? Here's What To Know.

The saying "good fences make good neighbors" is only true when both sides can agree on how to paint it. Without that, fences can easily become a point of bickering. In extreme cases, they can even inspire legal disputes.

When it comes to painting a fence between two properties, both neighbors have a say in painting their side of the fence. If you know that the fence lies fully on your neighbor's property, however, you may be in a tight spot. Check local laws first because they can vary, but a fence on your neighbor's property requires their permission to paint even if one side of it faces your home. Painting parts of the fence on your neighbor's property without their permission can be considered encroachment or an unauthorized use of their property, and that can be grounds (if you'll excuse the pun) for legal action.

In all cases, it's very important to keep open communication lines with your neighbor if you're planning to make any permanent changes to the fence. Disagreements can quickly escalate into boundary-line disputes. It's unlikely (though not impossible) that you'll go to court over something as minor as a painted fence, but it's better to keep your neighbor aware and let them have a say because, after all, it's their property. Plus, it's good etiquette!

As mentioned earlier, communication will be your friend when negotiating to paint your side of your neighbor's fence. If your neighbor is hesitant about price or effort, emphasize that you will paint it yourself and cover any costs. You could also consider allowing their input on color or style if they are concerned about how it will affect their property. If painting still isn't an attractive option to your neighbor, a compromise may be in order. Wood stains or varnish can freshen a fence's look without altering it as much as paint.

Try to get any plans you make with your neighbor in writing. Conversations are a great start for brainstorming ideas and checking how your neighbor feels about any renovations. But even if you have a healthy relationship with your neighbor, written agreements can help prevent or settle disputes as they arise. Plus, some state or local laws require a written agreement between neighbors before constructing or renovating a fence.

Suppose your neighbor won't budge on a compromise, and you truly dislike how they care for their fence. Even then, you're not out of luck. There are plenty of ways to hide a neighbor's unsightly fence, like installing a second fence on your own property, growing climbing vines, or rearranging your patio furniture.