Michael Samuels provides legal services to FSBO and other real estate clients in Cincinnati and throughout Ohio.

Common causes of boundary disputes

On Behalf of | Jan 30, 2024 | Real Estate Law

Purchasing a house can be very exciting. It’s a safe place for you and your family to live and build a future. You have a right to enjoy your property. After all, you paid good money for it.

Unfortunately, some individuals find that their enjoyment of a property is restricted by boundary disputes. Let’s look at two common types of boundary disputes.

Disputes over property lines

You may have a garden or parking spot included with your house. You own these areas and it is up to you who uses them. Sometimes, however, who owns what is not always clear. This is most often the case for older properties or properties with inaccurate surveys and titles.

A neighbor encroaching on your property (for example, building on your land) can be very stressful. It may take litigation to fix the problem and establish clear boundary lines.

Rights of access

Rights of access are another common source of boundary disputes. For example, the road up to your house may lead to several other properties. Your neighbor has claimed that you have no right to drive up that road. So how are you supposed to get to your house?

In such a scenario, it’s possible that you have an easement. However, if this is not clarified with legal documents, it can result in lengthy boundary disputes.

The best way to avoid boundary disputes is to have all of the appropriate legal documentation, such as titles, before making a purchase. If you are in the midst of a dispute, then seeking legal guidance can help you resolve it efficiently.