Adjoining landowners are owners of land with common boundaries, and have mutual rights, duties, and obligations related to their adjoining pieces of land.
In Indiana, adjoining landowners, also known as adjacent property owners, have certain rights and responsibilities 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. Indiana law, for instance, has regulations regarding the construction and maintenance of partition fences, which are fences built on the line between the lands of adjoining landowners. Under Indiana Code IC 32-26-9, adjoining landowners are typically responsible for the construction, maintenance, and costs associated with partition fences. Additionally, Indiana follows the common law principle that landowners have the duty not to use their land in a way that causes harm to their neighbors, such as by causing flooding or erosion. Disputes between adjoining landowners can often be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or, if necessary, litigation in civil court. It is advisable for landowners to consult with an attorney to understand their specific rights and obligations and to resolve any disputes regarding their adjoining properties.