Is It My Fence or My Neighbor’s? What Michigan Law Says About Fence Ownership

So, you’re wondering who’s responsible for the fence between your property and your neighbor’s in Michigan? That question is more common than you think. There has recently been a Reddit thread of a Michigander with fence woes of their own. Here’s the scoop on fence ownership and responsibilities in the Great Lakes State:

WHO OWNS THE FENCE BETWEEN TWO PROPERTIES IN MICHIGAN?

In Michigan, the property owner where the fence is built is generally responsible for the construction costs. However, if your neighbor is using the fence for their own purposes, such as keeping animals contained, they are required to pay their share of the fence’s current value. Alternatively, they can opt to build their own fence if they’d prefer.

Read More: 1890s Property Line Dispute Delays Historic Holly Hotel Reopening

SHARED FENCES AND PROPERTY LINES

Most fences are constructed right on or close to the property line, making the responsibility for the fence a shared matter between neighboring properties. To avoid disputes, it’s crucial to be certain about the exact location of your property line. In Michigan, if neighbors have treated a property line as the boundary for at least 15 years, this line can sometimes be recognized as the official boundary, even if it differs from a surveyed line.

See Also: Michigan Father Killed After Daughter Touched Neighbor's Mulch

RESOLVING DISPUTES IN MICHIGAN

Should you and your neighbor run into disagreements about the fence, each township in Michigan has a designated “fence viewer” who can help resolve issues related to property lines, maintenance costs, and damage to fences. They’re a valuable resource for settling these kinds of disputes.

For more detailed legal information, you can explore Michigan’s legislative resources.