While it's tempting to decorate the hallways and garden before the big day, experts warn that doing so could land you in trouble
With Christmas just four weeks away, households across the country are getting busy decorating. Putting up the tree and decorating the house with festive lights is one of the most beautiful moments for many who want to feel some cheer at this time of year.
But households have been warned against hanging Christmas lights outside at this time of year. The outdoor lights trend may be pretty and cheerful for passersby, but residents need to be mindful of where they hang their string lights or they could get into trouble.
While it may seem completely harmless to hang lights on a neighbor's boundary fence, it can become a problem because you actually need a permit to do so. Jimmy Englezos, senior brand manager and DIY expert at Ronseal, shared his expertise on hanging Christmas lights on a neighboring fence.
A boundary fence between two properties is often a source of neighborhood disputes, with confusion over legal responsibilities and uncertainty about who is responsible for maintaining the boundary fence.
Jimmy explained: “During the holidays it can be tempting to put up fairy lights and Christmas decorations on every available surface indoors and outdoors, especially along garden fences. However, if you are not the owner, you may be putting your neighbour's property at risk.
“Before adding anything to a shared garden fence, it's important to find out where the boundary is between your home and a neighbor's and who owns each fence.” He explained how to do this by saying, “A good place to start is by checking the property deeds – you'll often find a 'T' indicating which site you're responsible for, or an 'H' indicating it's a shared responsibility of the neighbors.”
“If your neighbor owns the fence, you must get permission from them before making any changes to the side of your property. This includes Christmas lights and decorations, as well as anything that could add additional stress to the fence, such as non-seasonal modifications, for example a birdhouse or trellis.”
He said you should be careful even if your neighbor agrees to hang lights.
Jimmy added: “It's worth considering, even if your neighbor gives permission, if the decorations could have an impact on the structural integrity or aesthetic damage to the wood, you may have to cover the costs of repairing the damage or even replacing the fence entirely.”
“For holiday decorations and ornaments, consider the weight and the possibility that they could damage the fence due to extreme weather. Likewise, string lights can pose a serious fire hazard if they are old or not designed for outdoor use, especially if placed near wood. Be sure to check the suitability of the product and inspect it for signs of damage.”
“If the Land Registry states that you are the sole owner of the fence, you are free to make any changes you wish provided it does not endanger your neighbor or their property.
“However, if your property is listed or on designated land, check with your local authorities first as special restrictions may apply.”