They add a warming touch to outdoor spaces – but could also land you in trouble
Fairy lights make a great addition to outdoor spaces(Image: Michael Hurcomb/Corbis via Getty Images)
Summer is always a time that encourages garden upgrades for homeowners and accessories, like fairy lights, are always a nice touch for outdoor spaces. These twinkling bulbs always make for a more inviting ambience, but gardeners should know that hanging them on fences could mean trouble.
Households should be aware of the rules to follow when hanging lighting on boundary fences and there are key considerations that should always be taken into account. Experts from LightingLegends.com explain that it’s not as simple as just hanging lights or decorations on your side of a boundary fence and a discussion should always take place first.
Boundary marks for property can often be a bone of contention between neighbours and often result in dispute. That’s why experts say it is always best to as a neighbour for permission before making any changes to a boundary fence that also belongs to them.
Jon Saeed, managing director of LightingLegends.com said: “Decorating your garden and creating an inviting space for yourself and your guests to enjoy is one of the great benefits of having an outdoor area, and hanging lights or other decorations from a fence can be a simple yet effective way to enhance the space.
“It’s just important to remember that if the fence doesn’t belong to you, it’s important to speak with the neighbour who owns it before attaching anything. Having that conversation first can help prevent misunderstandings and avoid disputes that could result in you having to pay for any damage caused.”
Causing damage to a fence either through drilling holes or hanging other bits for modifications could become an issue if it turns out you actually don’t own it. Even though a fence can lay between two households, it may only belong to one.
Homeowners who are unsure which boundary they are responsible for should check their property deeds, according to experts. In certain cases a ‘T’ mark can show who is responsible for a boundary, though it’s not always included.
But if deeds can’t clarify ownership, general guidance on boundary disputes can be found on GOV.UK. Individuals can also seek legal advice if preferred.
If the decorations cause damage, the neighbour may be able to claim the cost of any repairs. So the best port of call, if the fence doesn’t belong to you, is speak to neighbours before taking any decorating action.
But what happens if they say no? If a dispute does arise, homeowners are generally expected to try to resolve the issue through discussion before considering legal action. But if it turns out that you can’t hang fairy lights, Mr. Saeed says it’s not the end of the world.
“If your neighbour isn’t comfortable with you hanging lights from their fence, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out,” he explained.
“There are plenty of alternative solutions like hanging lights on trellises and trees to brighten up your outdoor space without causing any tension.”
And if you can put fairy lights on your fence, there’s safety to keep in mind.
Jon added: “It’s also important to remember that any lights used on a fence should be specifically designed for outdoor use, with suitable weather protection. Homeowners should also avoid using staples, nails or fixings that could pierce or damage the cable, and any mains-powered outdoor lighting should ideally be connected through RCD protection.”
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