Lawyer explains rules for putting fairy lights on your garden fence

Summer is the perfect time of the year to make the most of your outdoor space and spend time in the garden.

Flowers are in full bloom during the warmer months, bringing plenty of colour to the outdoors, and the long days of sunshine means you can relax in the garden until late into the evening. While the weather is good it's also a good time to get some garden jobs done, like sprucing up your fence with a lick of paint, or even introducing some decorative additions like fairy lights to make your space feel more cosy.

But gardeners should be aware that the simple act of putting fairy lights along your fence can actually land you in trouble with your neighbours if you're not careful.

If you own the fence in your garden - meaning it is located on your side of the property boundary - then you are generally allowed to decorate it how you please, which includes hanging fairy lights. But if the decoration becomes a nuisance, due to excessive brightness or flashing, or if it poses a safety risk, then it can result in complaints from the neighbours.

Mark Woloshak, Head of Litigation at Howells Solicitors, says neighbours don't automatically have the right to ask you to remove decorations like fairy lights from your garden fence, but if the dispute isn't resolved then it can escalate into a civil dispute.

He said: "Disagreements don't always stem from fence placement or repairs. Sometimes, they arise from how a fence is used or decorated. Fairy lights, hanging planters, or even paint colour choices can cause friction.

"If you own the fence, or have the express permission of the owner, you're generally entitled to decorate it but be mindful - if the decoration causes a nuisance, such as excessive brightness or flashing into a neighbour's window, it can spark complaints and lead to disputes.

"If the fence is yours, a neighbour can request changes, but they don't automatically have the right to demand removal unless the addition is causing a nuisance or safety concern. In such cases, the matter could escalate to a civil dispute, which is best avoided through early communication and compromise.

"Neighbour disputes are not just stressful; they can be expensive, many issues can be avoided simply by talking things through before making changes, checking your deeds, and seeking legal clarity where needed."

Howells Solicitors have seen a steady rise in cases involving property boundaries and neighbourly disagreements, with many disputes stemming from a lack of clarity over ownership or maintenance responsibilities. The firm is now warning homeowners to familiarise themselves with their legal position before tensions escalate.

Mr Woloshak added: "Boundary fences mark the dividing line between two separate properties. They can be a physical structure such as a wooden or metal fence, or they may be a legal boundary identified on title deeds or a land registry plan. While many fences follow the legal boundary, this is not always the case, and that's where problems often begin.

"Ownership is usually outlined in title deeds, often with a 'T' mark indicating responsibility. If the 'T' appears on your side of the boundary, you're typically responsible for maintaining that fence.

"In some cases, ownership can be shared or unclear, particularly with older properties, and resolving the matter may require a land registry check or even legal advice."