Adjoining landowners are owners of land with common boundaries, and have mutual rights, duties, and obligations related to their adjoining pieces of land.
In Iowa, adjoining landowners, also known as contiguous or adjacent property owners, have certain rights and responsibilities concerning their shared property lines. Iowa law recognizes that these landowners must act reasonably in the use and enjoyment of their property to avoid causing harm to one another. This includes maintaining boundaries, managing shared resources like fences and trees along the boundary line, and controlling runoff and drainage. Iowa's 'fence law' (Iowa Code Chapter 359A) requires adjoining landowners to contribute to the construction and maintenance of boundary fences. Additionally, disputes over boundary lines can be resolved through legal action, and adverse possession laws may come into play if one landowner has occupied a portion of the adjoining land for a statutory period. It is important for adjoining landowners to be aware of local zoning ordinances and any easements or covenants that may affect their rights and obligations.