You’ve lived next to your neighbor for years and share a common boundary, marked by a fence erected years before either of you moved in. One day, you and your family decide to install a swimming pool. The professional surveyor you hired before the construction process begins finds that the fence is encroaching several feet into your property. What can you do, and where can you turn for help?

Unfortunately, boundary disputes often arise in Houston and create tensions between neighbors. It’s crucial to address these issues quickly to preserve relationships and protect property interests. By approaching these issues with open communication, respect, and a willingness to find mutually beneficial solutions, homeowners can navigate boundary disputes more effectively.

Understanding Boundary Disputes in Houston

When two neighbors don’t agree on the lines of their property, this can create a dispute over property lines.

Inaccurate or ambiguous property descriptions in deeds or legal documents can lead to confusion and disputes over boundary lines. Sometimes, different property surveys or outdated surveys can contribute to these disputes.

When homeowners are unaware of property lines, they can build structures such as fences, pools, and even garages on their neighbor’s property. This can cause tension and conflict and even affect real estate values. After all, is a garage built on your neighbor’s property yours or theirs?

Unresolved boundary disputes can result in lengthy legal proceedings, property devaluation, and the loss of land use. It can even result in tension between you and your neighbor, as well as anxiety and worry about how to resolve it.

Steps to Resolving a Boundary Dispute With Your Neighbor

Resolving a boundary dispute with your neighbor can be a complex process, but taking the right steps can help facilitate a fair and peaceful resolution. Here are some essential steps to consider:

• Gather Information: Start by collecting all relevant information about the dispute. This includes property documents such as deeds, surveys, and any other records that define the boundaries of your property.

• Communicate with Your Neighbor: Engage in open and respectful communication with your neighbor to address the issue. Choose a time and place conducive to discussion, and express your concerns and observations regarding the boundary dispute.

• Hire a Professional Surveyor: To obtain an accurate assessment of the boundary lines, consider hiring a licensed surveyor with experience in property disputes. The surveyor will conduct a thorough survey of the properties involved, compare existing markers, and install new markers to establish precise boundary lines.

• Seek Mediation: If initial discussions with your neighbor do not work, consider involving a neutral third party through mediation. A professional mediator can facilitate constructive communication and guide both parties toward a mutually agreeable solution.

• Consult with a Real Estate Attorney: In complex boundary disputes or situations where mediation has not been successful, consult a Houston real estate attorney. An attorney experienced in property law can provide legal advice, help you understand your rights, and represent your interests throughout the dispute resolution process.

• Document Everything: Maintain detailed records of all communications, including dates, times, and outcomes of discussions with your neighbor, surveyors, mediators, and attorneys. Keep copies of any written correspondence or agreements related to the dispute.

• Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution Options: In addition to mediation, there may be other alternative dispute resolution methods available, such as arbitration or negotiation through a homeowner’s association. Explore these options to find the most suitable approach for your specific situation.
• Verify Local Laws and Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the applicable local laws and regulations governing property boundaries and dispute resolution. This can help you navigate the process more effectively and ensure that your rights are protected.
• Document Boundary Resolution: Once a resolution is reached, document the agreed-upon boundary lines in writing. Consider updating property documents, such as deeds or surveys, to reflect the newly established boundaries. This step will help prevent future disputes and clarify future property transactions.
• Maintain a Neighborly Relationship: Throughout the process, strive to maintain a neighborly relationship with your neighbor. Resolving the boundary dispute respectfully and cooperatively will create a positive atmosphere and prevent future conflicts.

Contact Our Houston Boundary Dispute Lawyers Today

At Pathway Property Lawyers, our Houston boundary dispute attorneys are committed to providing legal guidance to clients facing a boundary or property line dispute. We know that fights and disagreements between your neighbors can be uncomfortable at best. That’s why we aim to help you navigate the legal process quickly, so you can repair community relationships and get back to your life.

To learn more about your legal options, please call us at (832) 364-6234 or complete our confidential contact form. Our team safeguards your rights and property and guides you through the legal complexities. Call us today, and we can help you navigate your boundary or property dispute with ease.

Roger G. Jain

As long as I can remember, I have been inspired by courtroom drama. The story, regardless of who was fighting and for what cause, always came down to the very basic human traits of greed, jealousy, vengeance, deceit, ego, and pride. The skilled lawyer, always a good listener, could always find the heart of the case and convey it simply and eloquently to the jury and help the jury reach a just verdict. Read more here.