In Louisiana a fence on the boundary is presumed to be common, which means shared by both owners, unless there is proof otherwise. That comes from Civil Code article 685. The same article lets an owner make a neighbor contribute to building and repairing a common fence when the adjoining lands are enclosed.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Louisiana property law is based on its Civil Code and differs from other states. For a dispute, speak to a Louisiana lawyer.
Does my neighbor have to pay for half of a new fence?
Possibly, and it depends on the facts. Article 685 says that when adjoining lands are enclosed, a landowner may compel neighbors to contribute to the expense of making and repairing common fences. When the lands are not enclosed, that can only be done as local ordinances prescribe. The article does not fix the share at one half, and it applies to a common fence on the boundary, not to a fence one owner builds on their own lot. In practice most neighbors here agree to a split in writing. If your neighbor asks whether you have to pay for half of theirs, the same test applies to you.
Who owns the fence between two properties?
If it stands on the boundary, the law presumes both owners share it. If it stands entirely on one lot, it belongs to that lot's owner. So who owns the fence turns on where the posts are, and a survey answers that.
Can my neighbor put up a fence without asking me?
On their own land, yes. Civil Code article 684 gives a landowner the right to enclose their land. The fence still has to meet the city or parish rules on height and placement, and it cannot sit on your side of the line. A neighbor who builds on the boundary without asking me first is a different case, because a boundary fence is presumed common.
A survey shows the fence is on the wrong side of the line. Now what?
Talk to the neighbor first, with the survey in hand. The fence can be moved to the true line, or the two of you can sign a written agreement about it. Louisiana has its own rules on how long possession can affect a boundary, so see a lawyer before you rely on an old fence line. If the survey shows the fence should move, we can take it down and rebuild it on the line.
The contractor built my new fence over the property line. Who fixes it?
The contractor, when they picked the line or went past the markers. Put the request to move it in writing. Your position is weaker if you showed them where to build. A good quote states where the fence goes and who located the line.
My neighbor and I agreed to split a new fence. How does the billing work?
Write the agreement down before work starts: the route, the material, the height, the total and each share. We can list the shared run separately on the estimate and show what each owner pays.
The house next door is a rental and I cannot reach the owner. Can I build on my side?
Yes. Article 684 lets you enclose your own land, and a fence fully on your lot does not need the neighbor's consent. It still has to follow local rules. Have the line staked first so there is no argument later.
The old fence on our side is rotted and the neighbor will not pay. Can I take it down and rebuild?
If the fence is entirely on your lot, it is yours to replace. If it is on the boundary, it is presumed common, so give the neighbor written notice before removing it and keep a copy. A lawyer can tell you whether article 685 lets you recover part of the cost.
My neighbor's tree roots are lifting our fence. Who handles that?
An arborist for the tree and us for the fence. Civil Code article 688 gives a landowner the right to demand that a neighbor's branches or roots that extend onto the property and interfere with its use be trimmed at the neighbor's expense. Do not cut a large root yourself. With live oaks in particular that can harm the tree, and some trees are protected. We can often set a post to one side of the root.
A business next door stacks material against my chain link fence and it is bending. Can it be reinforced?
It can, using heavier posts, a bottom rail or tension wire. That does not turn a fence into a retaining wall. Ask the owner in writing to move the load, and if it continues, report it to code enforcement in your city or parish.
The real price for your yard comes from a free on-site estimate. Call (504) 584-7028 or text us a photo of the fence line.