Good Neighbor Fence Act – What You Need To Know
California Civil Code § 841, also known as the Good Neighbor Fence Act of 2013, outlines how neighboring property owners share responsibility for boundary fences.
In general, adjoining homeowners are presumed to benefit equally from a shared fence and are therefore equally responsible for the reasonable costs of its construction, maintenance, or replacement unless a different agreement is made in writing. If a fence needs repair or replacement, the law requires that you provide your neighbor with at least 30 days’ written notice.
This notice should include:
A description of the issue
The proposed solution
Estimated costs
Each neighbor’s share of the cost
A proposed timeline for completion
If an agreement cannot be reached, the matter may be pursued in small claims court. Keep in mind that the work must typically be completed and paid for before filing a claim. Courts may adjust cost-sharing if one party can demonstrate that an equal split would be unfair based on the circumstances.
This information is intended as a general overview, not legal advice. For specific situations, consult qualified legal counsel. As always, the Association encourages neighbors to work collaboratively and respectfully to maintain shared property values and community standards.
