Adjoining landowners are owners of land with common boundaries, and have mutual rights, duties, and obligations related to their adjoining pieces of land.
In Rhode Island, adjoining landowners, also known as abutters, have certain rights and responsibilities concerning their shared property boundaries. These include the duty to not use their land in a way that would harm the adjoining property, the right to maintain and repair shared boundaries or fences, and the obligation to manage water runoff in a manner that does not damage neighboring properties. Rhode Island follows the common law for most issues regarding adjoining landowners, but specific statutes may also apply, such as those governing fence maintenance and tree trimming along property lines. Disputes between adjoining landowners often involve issues of trespass, nuisance, or encroachment, and can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or, if necessary, litigation. It is advisable for landowners to be aware of local zoning ordinances and to communicate with their neighbors to prevent or resolve conflicts amicably.