There’s that saying about good fences and good neighbors that you’ve probably heard, and for the most part, it rings true.
But what happens when a property line, fence or tree issue results in a neighborly argument?
Most disputes are easy enough to work through. Yet some turn ugly quickly.
Whether it’s a matter of you encroaching on your neighbor’s land, or they have a land dispute with you, the resolution options all depend on the situation.
Below are the steps to dealing with landowner disputes in Florida.
Go Over the Local Laws
It’s important to keep in mind that property line laws are different from one state to another. Some cities even have their own property line rules and regulations.
Read up and try to understand the laws that apply to your dispute before you even discuss the issue with your neighbor.
Then, it’s time to face the person next door.
Have a Talk with Your Neighbor
The first thing you should do is talk to your neighbor. Don’t use your discussion to vent pent up anger issues at your neighbor. That will only make things worse. The idea is to try and resolve the problem as calmly and quickly as you can.
Reaching an agreement with your neighbor without going the legal route is usually easier, faster, and most cost-effective. Get out your deed copies to compare so that you can tell where your property lines start and finish. The deeds should clearly tell you where the boundaries are.
When you do reach an agreement, you both need to sign the deed that outlines the land’s perimeters. But do work with an attorney before you sign the deed to make sure you understand everything. Once you’ve both signed the deed, it needs to be filed at your local land registry office.
There are instances, however, when the deeds are not clear about property lines.
Pay for a Survey
If the deeds don’t tell you where the property lines are, you and your neighbor need to agree to pay for a surveyor. Whether you pay the bill yourself or come to an agreement with your neighbor all depends on your relationship with them.
Never try to make an educated guess. Even if you’re pretty sure you know where the boundary line is, a surveyor can provide documented evidence.
Once you know precisely where the boundaries are, you or your neighbor can act accordingly. If a professional survey still can’t help with resolving the dispute, it’s time to seek mediation.
Head to a Mediator
If a conversation and surveys have yet to resolve your dispute with your neighbor, a professional mediator is the next low-stress and low-cost way to try and work things out.
Get in touch with your local attorney, police station or courthouse to find a mediator who deals with landowner disputes.
Consult with an Experienced Attorney
If you still can’t reach an agreement after consulting local laws, talking to your neighbor, hiring a surveyor, and mediation, the next step is to consult with an attorney.
A legal letter lets your neighbor know you are serious about the landowner issue. The letter should outline the violation and request a specific action in an effort to resolve the dispute.
The Final Step
A lawsuit is always your last resort. They can be lengthy and costly. If you do decide to take legal action, though, you should work with an attorney who is familiar with landowner disputes as well as local and state laws.
A lawsuit really should be your final option. Even if you do win, you may still be stuck living next to your neighbor for a long time. It gets awkward and creates years of tension.
Yet, legal action may be the only way to settle your landowner dispute.
If you’re struggling with a landowner dispute in Florida and require knowledgeable assistance, book a consultation with experts at Principal Law Firm today.
Image: Freepik
