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Real property

adjoining landowners

Adjoining landowners are owners of land with common boundaries, and have mutual rights, duties, and obligations related to their adjoining pieces of land.

In Vermont, adjoining landowners, also known as abutters, have certain rights and responsibilities concerning their shared property boundaries. Vermont law recognizes the principle of boundary by acquiescence, which means that if landowners have treated a certain line as the boundary for a long period (usually 15 years), that line may become the legal boundary. Adjoining landowners are also subject to local zoning ordinances and may have mutual obligations regarding boundary fences under the state's fence laws (Title 24, Chapter 17 of the Vermont Statutes). These laws typically address issues such as the maintenance and cost-sharing of boundary fences. Additionally, Vermont's tree law (Title 13, Chapter 52) may come into play if trees straddle property lines or if roots or branches encroach onto a neighbor's property. Landowners are generally responsible for the portion of a tree that is on their property. Disputes between adjoining landowners can often be resolved through negotiation, but if an agreement cannot be reached, the matter may need to be settled in court.

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Real property

adjoining landowners

As a LegalFix Member You Will Be an Important Client of Local Law Firms

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Vermont State Code

Vermont State Code

Real property

adjoining landowners

Articles