What should I do if my neighbour asks me to share the cost of building a fence?

By Scott Moore, Realtor 

If a neighbour asks you to share the cost of a fence— either installing a new fence or repairing or replacing an old fence— there is no law or regulation that says that you have to do it. 

However, there are a number of reasons that I think you should really consider it:

1. A fence adds value to your property, so its a good investment

2. By sharing the cost, you are getting a great discount on a big improvement to your property

3. Keeping good relations with your neighbours makes your life a heck of a lot easier than it will be if things go sour 

How do you split the cost of a fence? 

 It’s very common for neighbours to share the cost of fencing. Usually the cost of the shared sections are split equally by the neighbours on either side. 

For example, if you want to fence all three sides of your backyard plus add gates on either side of your house to completely fence off your backyard, the costs would likely be shared like this;

• The neighbour to the left would pay 50% of the cost of the stretch of fencing along the left side (shared between your two properties)

• Likewise, the neighbour to the right would pay 50% of the cost of the stretch of fencing between your two properties

• You would pay 100% of the cost along the back of the property (unless the back is also shared with a third neighbour, in which case the same applies)

• You also pay for the cost of the gate/fencing to close off your yard between the fence and your home. If your neighbours want to add gates on their sides of the new fence, of course they pay 100% of the cost for their own fences as well

• Generally the person in the middle gets the quotes, stickhandles the project, and pays for the survey or building location certificate

Having a fence definitely adds value— both for your experience and use of your yard, and in terms of resale, so the right thing to do is to share the cost. That being said, fencing is expensive and not everyone has thousands of dollars available on a moment’s notice! 

How do I ask my neighbour to share the cost of a fence?

Finances are sensitive for people and a fence is a big project. If you are the one proposing the idea of sharing the costs of a fence, its respectful to make your proposal a year ahead of time. Giving people the time to plan for the cost goes a long way towards getting agreement for the project and to keeping up positive relations. 

Otherwise, start with some leg work. A fence company can give you some ballpark numbers over the phone— knowing whether your neighbour is looking at a bill for $1000 or for $5000 helps get the project off on the right foot. 

A little warning that the conversation is coming is often helpful. A text or a note to the effect of ‘I’m thinking about building a fence next summer, and got a few quotes, looks like the section between our properties would be in the range of $800 each. Pop over on the weekend and I’ll go over the numbers with you” is a good way to give your neighbour a heads up, while making it clear at the outset that you’re looking to share the cost. 

You may also be able to get better pricing if all three neighbours fence their yards completely, which is another question to ask when you’re calling for quotes. We all know that Winnipeggers LOVE a deal, so this can also be a good hook to get your neighbours on board. 

If my neighbour wants a fence, does that mean they don’t like me?

No way! Have you ever heard the saying ‘good fences make good neighbours?’ Robert Frost wrote it all the way back in 1914 but its still stands. Boundaries are important in all relationships, but especially between neighbours. If it stings a little that a neighbour has asked for a fence, try not to take it personally. It’s a great investment in your property value, and it will probably go a long way towards keeping you and your neighbour friends as the years go on. 

What if I can’t afford to share a fence?

The first thing to do is to get a quote. If you only proceed with 50% of the shared section, your cost will be a fraction of the cost of fencing your whole backyard. If you do this shared section one year, the other shared side the following year, and then the rest the year after that, it’s a great way to break up the cost.  By cooperating with your neighbours, you’re reducing the cost considerably, which is a huge bonus that’s worth budgeting to make work. 

Definitely don’t get involved with lending or borrowing money from a neighbour as that will sour neighbourly relations faster than pretty much anything else. 

If you truly can’t afford it, or simply don’t want a fence, then you just have to be honest with your neighbour. They may proceed on their own without you, in which case you’ll get a free fence along one side of your property. If they do go ahead with this, I would recommend going over with a thank you gift to keep neighbourly relations positive. 

What is a good neighbour fence?

A Good Neighbour Fence is when you build a fence and put the finished side of the fence (i.e. the more attractive, smooth side) facing your neighbour’s property, leaving you with the less attractive side. If your neighbour has just refused to share the cost of a fence with you, a Good Neighbour fence is probably the last thing on your mind, but it is commonly considered good etiquette. There are options for wood fences that create an attractive surface on both sides, which you may want to consider.