Dividing Fence Disputes (WA)

This article was prepared by Go To Court Lawyers, Australia's largest legal service. For legal advice specific to your situation, call 1300 636 846.

If you’ve ever had a dispute with your neighbour, chances are that it was in relation a dividing fence. Dividing fence disputes are one of the most common civil law disputes and it is not uncommon for people to be involved in one or more of them in their lifetime.

This article will outline what a dividing fence dispute is and the procedures for going through a dividing fence dispute.

What is a dividing fence?  

In Western Australia, the key applicable legislation for dividing fence disputes is the Dividing Fences Act 1961. The Act states adjoining land that is separated by different owners is to be divided with a “sufficient fence”.

A “sufficient fence” is one that:

• Is prescribed by a local law as a sufficient fence for the part of the local government district in which the dividing or boundary fence is; or
• Fits the description and quality agreed upon by the parties concerned and which does not fail to comply with any local law referred to in the preceding paragraph; and
• Is ordinarily capable of resisting the trespass of cattle and sheep; or
• Is determined to be a sufficient fence by the court pursuant to this Act.

The Act states that each owner of adjoining land is to equally contribute to the cost of a “sufficient fence”. In modern times, with the phasing out and illegality of substances like of asbestos, colourbond fences are the most common type of “sufficient fences” that are erected as boundaries.

It is also important to note that the Dividing Fences Act governs dividing or boundary fences only. Disputes arising out of fences or boundaries other than dividing fences, such as retaining walls which are erected on one side of two adjoining lands, are not covered by the Act.

Repairing a dividing fence

Sometimes, the issue is not the existence of a dividing fence, but an existing fence that is no longer satisfactory or no longer meets the criteria for a “sufficient fence”. This can include repairing a fence that is badly damaged or a fence that requires re-alignment because it was incorrectly erected and encroaches onto someone else’s land.

In this situation it is recommended that a surveyor and/or inspector is called to assess whether a dividing fence requires “repairs” or “realignment”, to ensure that the Act applies.

Making a dividing fences claim

Before any Dividing Fences claim can be made under the Act, owners are required to issue and serve a notice on adjoining landowner which specifies:

• The boundary or line which is to be fenced;
• A proposal for fencing the common boundary or line; and
• The kind of fence that is to be constructed on the boundary or line (usually colourbond).

If after 21 days from the notice being sent, the adjoining owners are not able to come to an agreement as to any of the above, then an owner can make a Dividing Fences Application at their local Magistrates Court and requesting the court to intervene.

What happens if there is an agreement?

If adjoining owners are able to come to an agreement, owners should ensure that it is enforceable, in a written format and appropriately executed. If that occurs, then the adjoining owners are bound to follow the terms of that agreement.

If an owner fails to adhere to their part of the agreement by the specified time referred to in the agreement, or in the absence of any time period being stipulated in the agreement, when more than three months have elapsed since the date of the agreement, then a Dividing Fences Application can be made to the Magistrates Court to enforce the agreement.

Legal representation and costs

Unlike residential tenancy disputes or minor case claims (claims of less than $10,000), where legal representation is normally prohibited and legal costs are not claimable, owners in Dividing Fence disputes are permitted to have legal representation and in the event they are successful in their claim, the court has the power to make costs orders against the unsuccessful party.

It is therefore very important that notices referred to above are considered seriously, as failure to do so may result in an owner not only having to contribute to the cost of the dividing fence but also having to pay any legal costs of the other owner.

If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Go To Court Lawyers.