A common misconception in property ownership is thinking that your fence line and property line are the same thing. More often than not – this is not true, and confusing the two can cause boundary disputes and lead legal problems.
What is a property line?
A property line in New jersey is the legal recorded boundary between parcel of land.
- Property lines in New Jersey are defined by legal documents, such as, your deed or a filed map. Not by the appearance or use of land.
- Property lines are based on property corners found in and around the property.
- Property lines can only be determined by Professional Land Surveyors.
What is a fence line?
A fence line is simply the physical location where the fence was built.
- A fence line is often established without a survey.
- Fence lines must avoid large obstacles, including but not limited to, trees and large rocks.
- Often based upon informal agreements between neighbors.
Why the Difference Matters?
Assuming your fence line is the property line can lead to can problem such as:
- Encroachments(Structures or fences crossing onto an adjoiners property).
- Boundary disputes during a sale or permitting process.
- Title issues delaying closing.
- Costley fence removal.
When Should you Get a Survey to Determine the Fence Line in Relation to the Property Line?
- When buying or selling a home.
- Building a new fence.
- Building near any boundary line.
- When there is a disagreement about the location of a boundary line.
…the only reliable way to know where your property line is located is to hire a licensed land surveyor to perform a boundary survey.
Bottom Line
A fence shows where someone decided to build a fence.
A property line shows where ownership legally begins and ends.
They are not the same—and assuming they are can be an expensive mistake.
When in doubt, get it surveyed.
