FENCES can often be the root of neighbourly disputes, particularly when no one knows who is responsible for their upkeep.
Good communication is essential whenever there is a fencing-related issue and it’s in everyone’s interests that we listen and respect one another’s point of view to ensure a well-maintained and harmonious living environment for everyone.
To make it easy for everyone to know who’s responsible for what, here’s which parts of the fencing White Horse Housing Association (WHHA) will look after and which are up to tenants.
WHHA's Responsibilities:
We take charge of boundary fences – the fences that border public open spaces like car parks, public footpaths, communal access paths, or roads. We also look after privacy panels (the first panel attached to the property) and all gates.
Tenant's Responsibilities:
Tenants must take care of the fence on the left side of their garden when viewed from their house. However, this can sometimes require further investigation. Neighbours may be jointly responsible for some party fences. In these cases WHHA can assist in resolving any misunderstandings.
Some of our homes built before 2005 have post and wire between gardens. WHHA is only responsible for the privacy panel and the post. If any wire fences have been altered or new fencing installed, determining responsibility can be difficult and WHHA will help resolve any misunderstandings.
Tenants can install new party fences on their side of the existing post and wire fence at their own expense, with WHHA’s permission. These fences then become the tenant’s responsibility for maintenance and repair.
WHHA may in the past have carried out repairs or replacements on fences that are actually tenants’ responsibility but this doesn’t mean we will continue to do so.
For any uncertainties or questions regarding fencing contact us on 01380 850916 or info@whitehorsehousing.co.uk, or write to us at Lowbourne House, Lowbourne Road, Melksham, Wiltshire, SN12 7DZ.
For more details about the housing association or to get in touch, go to whitehorsehousing.co.uk.