In Texas, fence ownership can be tricky. If the fence is built entirely on your property, it’s all yours—maintenance and all. But if it’s sitting right on the property line, then you and your neighbor share ownership and responsibility.
The best way to know for sure? Pull up your property survey. It will show exactly where that fence belongs.
If you’re staring at your survey wondering what those lines mean, don’t worry—I can walk you through it. Or, if you’re a DIY type, start here:
How to read your survey
How do surveyors find the property lines
And here’s the golden rule: before you replace or repair a boundary fence, always talk with your neighbor. It not only prevents disputes, but often neighbors agree to share the costs. If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, check their rules too—they may have specific requirements.
Bottom line: A quick conversation and a peek at your survey can save you a lot of headaches (and maybe even a friendship!).
LONG READ :
Who Owns the Fence in Texas?
In Texas, fence ownership isn’t automatically defined by law. Instead, it depends on where the fence is built and any agreements between neighbors.
1. Fence Location Matters
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If a fence sits entirely on one property owner’s land, that owner is responsible for it.
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If the fence is built directly on the property line, then technically it belongs to both neighbors. In that case, both may share responsibility for maintenance and repair—unless there’s an agreement stating otherwise.
2. Property Surveys Are Key
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The most reliable way to know whose fence it is: check the property survey. It will show whether the fence sits inside your property line, your neighbor’s, or right on the boundary.
3. Shared Responsibility (Neighbor Fences)
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Texas doesn’t force neighbors to share fence costs, but many do by mutual agreement.
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If you want to build or repair a fence on the boundary, it’s always smart (and neighborly!) to discuss costs and materials beforehand.
4. Homeowners Associations (HOAs)
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If the home is in an HOA, rules may set guidelines on who maintains fences, required height/material, or even when it must be repaired. Always check the CC&Rs.
