Having a boundary dispute with your neighbor can be unsettling. You may not enjoy a peaceful stay on your property if your neighbor claims a part of it or vice versa. A dispute can also affect the property’s value should you be looking to put it up for sale.
Boundary disputes can arise in many ways, including inaccurate or complicated language in the deed descriptions and inconsistent surveys. If you are having a boundary tussle with your neighbor, here is what you need to do.
Understand the dispute
The first thing you ought to do is get to the root of the dispute. What exactly are you and your neighbor disagreeing about? Understanding the nature of the dispute is a step toward finding a solution.
For instance, if the dispute involves boundaries, you can both review your title paperwork to ascertain where the borders lie. You may have to rope in a licensed surveyor to clarify boundaries. In some cases, a full title search may be necessary to uncover any easements or deeds that may be present.
Resolving the dispute
Some disputes arise from minor misunderstandings that simple dialogue can help resolve. However, if you cannot reach a mutual agreement and other attempts to settle the matter with your neighbor have failed, it may be time to involve the courts.
That said, it is necessary to evaluate if litigation is worth it, financially and otherwise. While you may recover your expenses from the other party, it does not make economic sense to go through so much trouble for a strip of land whose value is below the expenses you will incur.
Boundary disputes are quite common. If you find yourself in the middle of one, it is advisable to be aware of your options in settling it in the most efficient way.