California’s Good Neighbor Fence Law (Civil Code §841) requires that neighbors who share a boundary fence are both responsible for sharing costs and upkeep. Understanding these requirements helps every homeowner follow the law and avoids unnecessary conflict.
Official Law Reference
Who Pays for a Shared Fence?
- Both adjoining property owners are presumed equally responsible for maintenance, repairs, and rebuilding costs of a boundary fence, unless a written agreement allocates costs differently or one party can prove they receive no benefit from the fence.
- This is California statewide law—including Sacramento County.
Notices: How and When to Notify Your Neighbor
California Civil Code §841 requires you to give written notice to your neighbor at least 30 days before beginning any shared fence work. Your notice must include:
- A description of the problem or need for work
- A solution (detailing repair or replacement)
- The estimated total cost and each party’s share
- Proposed schedule for the work
- Your contact information
More information about this is available at:
Madison Law, APC – Shared Fencing Disputes (.org)
Notice Templates and Samples
Here is a sample written notice when intending on repairing or replacing a shared line fence.
Real-World Sacramento Guidance
Fantastic Fence Policy: Signature and Excitement Required From Both Neighbors
Through years of local experience, Fantastic Fence has learned that successful, positive fence projects on shared property lines require total agreement from everyone involved. Therefore:
- Fantastic Fence will only work on a shared property line fence when both neighbors have signed off and are genuinely happy for the work to begin.
- If one neighbor refuses or is not ready to sign, Fantastic Fence will not proceed—out of respect for all parties and to guarantee a pleasant, cooperative experience for both the property owners and our staff.
- This policy ensures that every shared project goes smoothly and every neighbor feels good about the improvement to their property.
What If My Neighbor Refuses to Contribute?
- If your neighbor does not respond within 30 days to a proper notice, California law allows you to proceed on your own—but not with Fantastic Fence if their written agreement is missing.
- If the project must go forward without the neighbor’s consent, only work entirely on your own property can be considered, or you can pursue their share of the cost after completion in small claims court.
- Mediation is often available in Sacramento County and can help resolve the disagreement before it becomes a larger dispute.
If you need support with neighbor notices, custom template language, or understanding Sacramento County fence guidelines, Fantastic Fence is here to guide in the right direction. Always consult the official county and state resources above for up-to-date legal and policy references.