Most homeowners assume the fence separating their yard from their neighbor’s marks the property line. But what happens when a survey reveals that the fence has been in the wrong place for years?

That’s the situation one homeowner recently shared on Reddit after learning that their neighbor’s fence extends approximately two feet onto their property. The fence had been there for years, and now they’re wondering whether to ask the neighbor to move it or leave things alone.

The question raised a discussion about property rights, neighbor relationships, and whether a seemingly small boundary issue could become a much bigger headache down the road.

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A property survey revealed an unexpected problem

In a post shared on Reddit, the homeowner explained that they recently had their property surveyed and learned that their neighbor’s fence was approximately two feet over the property line.

The fence wasn’t new. It had apparently been standing in the same location for years, although the homeowner didn’t specify exactly how long or who originally installed it.

The homeowner wasn’t sure what to do next. They wanted to know whether they could require the neighbor to remove the fence or whether resolving the issue would mean hiring an attorney.

What made the situation especially uncomfortable was that the neighbors generally got along. The homeowner didn’t want to start an argument over the property line and hoped there was a polite way to address the problem.

Reddit users were divided over whether the fence should stay

Not everyone believed two feet of land was worth a disagreement. Several commenters questioned whether the fence was causing any problems, especially since it had been standing for years without affecting either household.

Some suggested leaving it alone until the fence needed repairs or replacement. Others warned that ignoring the issue could create complications if either homeowner decided to sell.

A few commenters also raised concerns about adverse possession, which can sometimes allow someone to gain legal rights to land they’ve occupied for years. However, the laws vary by state, and a fence crossing a property line doesn’t automatically mean the neighbor owns that land.

Many suggested talking to the neighbor before involving a lawyer

Despite differing opinions, many commenters agreed that the homeowner should start with a friendly conversation. They recommended showing the neighbor the survey and explaining the situation before demanding that the fence be moved.

After all, the neighbor might not even realize the fence is on someone else’s property. A previous owner could have installed it, or there may have been an agreement that neither homeowner knows about.

Some suggested putting an agreement in writing that acknowledges the property boundary while allowing the fence to remain until it needs replacing. Others recommended consulting a real estate attorney to protect the homeowner’s rights without turning a manageable situation into a neighborhood feud.

Two feet of land could become a bigger issue than expected

What makes this situation interesting is that the homeowner isn’t dealing with an openly hostile neighbor or someone who recently put up a fence without permission.

Instead, they’re facing a problem that may have existed long before either household realized something was wrong.

For some homeowners, two feet of yard space might not seem worth the expense or tension of relocating a fence. For others, protecting their property is reason enough to address the issue, especially if it could affect a future sale.

But the story raises a question many homeowners may not have considered: Would you ask a neighbor to move a fence that’s been standing for years if a survey showed it was on your property?