No one wants to be the person who starts an issue with their neighbor. However, you may find it problematic when your neighbor’s new construction project, such as a driveway, fence, porch or pool, starts crossing into your property line. While you may not have an issue with what your neighbor is building, you likely want to resolve the issue before it strains your relationship with your neighbor.
Before your neighbor gets too far into their construction project, you may want to learn how you can resolve a boundary dispute. Here is what you should know:
Understand the extent of your property’s boundaries
The first thing you may want to consider doing is defining your property lines. You can review any of your documents, such as a deed or past surveys, to understand the extent of your property. If you do not have a recent survey, you may need to consider reaching out to a licensed surveyor to create detailed documentation of your boundaries. A surveyor can identify whether your neighbor is crossing your property lines.
Talk to your neighbor about the problem
You may be able to quickly resolve a boundary issue by informing your neighbor that their project is entering your property lines. It may be possible for your neighbor to halt their project and move it back onto their property without further issues. However, your neighbor may ignore the facts and continue their project despite your warnings. If this happens, you may need to take formal legal action to resolve the issue.
Understand your legal options
There are several ways to resolve a boundary dispute in Texas. You may be able to reach a resolution with your neighbor to move the structure, sell your land or negotiate an easement. Professional legal guidance can help you explore your legal options.
