Boundary Wall Problems

How do you know whether the wall or fence that borders your property belongs to you or your neighbour? What if the boundary is in common ownership and it is in need of maintenance?

In fact, most boundary walls in France are considered to be shared. It is likely to be private, only if it is clearly so stated in the deeds, or there is physical evidence to that effect.

The same presumption applies in relation to fences and hedges.

There are also planning constraints on the height to which you can construct a wall or fence, with anything above 2 metres in height requiring a works declaration, but the rule applies for all new fences in those communes with a local plan in place, or in a protected area.

If you want to undertake major maintenance to a shared wall or fence, then the consent of your neighbour is required, although both have an obligation to undertake due maintenance.

And if you have fruit falling a tree or bush on a shared boundary, then you are entitled to a half share, so if three quarters falls on your side, then you may need to return a 1kg of apples to your neighbour!

You can read more in our Guide to Boundary Wall Problems.