With all of this sunny weather in spring, the wife and I have been busy with the ‘outdoor decorating’ recently.

Not only did we get some plants for the garden, we bought outdoor masonry paint to tidy up the paint job on our gateposts and outdoor sills.

While completing the works, I was continually conscious of my neighbours’ boundary. On the side in question the property is listed as for let - there is not an owner/occupier to knock for and speak with. Given my experience in dealing with all types of boundary dispute, I decided that it was best to err on the side of caution and make sure that I only worked on my side of the front gate post.

It is very important to bear this in mind when working on or around boundaries. Complaints can range from trespass, to damage and nuisance. If in doubt about a boundary, the best thing to do is to talk to your neighbour about any proposed works first – who knows, if it is a party wall with joint maintenance obligations they may be willing to split the bill with you!

Additionally if it is already too late and there is an ongoing problem, issue or dispute it is best to find out what your rights are and try and achieve early resolution as swiftly as possible. Usually the longer these problems go on, the more complex they become. Also as bad feelings for one another escalate each side is less likely to come to amicable agreement.

Even the most minor things – like painting a gate post can cause problems and upset. What is of course more serious is, the moving of a boundary, tearing down a wall or fence, or indeed affixing anything to a wall that is not wholly owned by you.