Property Disputes and How to Resolve Them
When you move to a new neighborhood or welcome newcomers to your own, you hope everyone will get along for years to come. While many of us get along with the majority of our neighbors for the most part, it doesn’t always work out so well. Maybe you just have clashing personalities and try to keep your distance, but sometimes, circumstances can make this relationship much harder. One thing that can complicate your relationship with a neighbor and cause serious stress for you is a property dispute.
It can be extremely frustrating to disagree with a neighbor over where your property ends and theirs begins. At Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam, we can give you the assistance needed to resolve a property dispute.
What is a Property Dispute?
Property disputes are more than just an inconvenience, they’re legal matters. You might have a good understanding as to where the boundaries of your property are, but do you really know what is legally yours? Not knowing exactly how your property is defined might not always be a huge issue, but if your neighbor is trying to put up a fence or frequently uses what you know is legally your property, it can be a major problem.
If you’re experiencing a property dispute, it’s important that you understand exactly what is causing the issue. You and your neighbor might not be clear on where property lines fall, or there could be the issue of an easement you aren’t aware of.
How to Resolve a Property Dispute
A property dispute can turn an otherwise good relationship sour instantly. Dealing with this is no way to spend your time, and it can only end up causing you more problems in the future. If your neighbor is going onto your property or you aren’t sure what is actually your property, you need to take action to resolve this.
Try and Work it Out Amongst Yourselves
Of course, it’s best to avoid taking more serious actions when possible. If your neighbor has been using your property, it can be easy to get upset. However, this can be something you’re able to work out for yourselves. When you know where your property lines are and that no one else has legal rights to them, you may be able to discuss your concerns with them. There’s a chance they might not be aware that they’re crossing their property lines. You have to live next to them after the matter is settled, so if you can resolve this on your own, that will likely be best.
Hire a Land Surveyor
Do you know exactly where your property lines are? Many people might not. You might know the general boundaries of your property, but if you’re having a serious dispute with your neighbor, you need to be sure of what’s yours. When property disputes occur, you need to be clear on where your property lines are. If you don’t already have this documentation, you need to hire a land survey. Conducting a property line survey ensures that everyone is made aware of what their legal property is.
Conduct a Title Search
You might assume that your property is entirely yours, but there are some instances when this is not the case. If a neighbor is using your property, they might have the right to if there’s an easement. This would give them the ability to use your property, even if you don’t want them to. Because of this, it’s important to conduct a title search prior to moving so that you’re aware of other people’s rights to your property. If you don’t do a title search, you can’t know for certain who has access to your property.
Hire a Real Estate Attorney to Assist with Your Property Dispute
Property disputes are unfortunate to be involved in, but they can happen to anyone. If you find yourself struggling to work things out with a neighbor, it could be time to get a real estate attorney on your side. At Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam, we have experience helping property owners resolve property disputes so they can get back to their lives and move on from this stress.
If you’re not sure what to do about your property dispute, contact us today for a free consultation to see if we can help.
