Adjoining landowners are owners of land with common boundaries, and have mutual rights, duties, and obligations related to their adjoining pieces of land.
In Alabama, adjoining landowners, also known as contiguous or adjacent property owners, have certain rights and obligations concerning their shared property boundaries. These rights and duties often pertain to issues such as boundary disputes, maintenance of boundary lines, fences, and shared resources like water or trees on the property line. Alabama follows the common law for most matters related to adjoining landowners, which means that case law and judicial decisions often guide these issues. For instance, Alabama law requires landowners to maintain their property in a manner that does not cause harm to adjoining properties. This includes controlling runoff, erosion, and ensuring that no illegal encroachments or nuisances occur. When it comes to fences, Alabama Code Title 3, Chapter 3A, known as the 'Line Fence Law,' provides guidance on the responsibilities of landowners in erecting, maintaining, and sharing the costs of boundary fences. However, local ordinances may also have specific regulations that affect adjoining landowners, so it is important to consult local laws and, if necessary, an attorney to understand the full scope of rights and responsibilities.