Property lines or boundary lines indicate the legal limits of a house, condo, apartment, or other property type. By looking at the property lines, you can identify the start and end of a property. Usually, this property line is highlighted by fencing and roads. However, sometimes this line can be invisible.
As a homeowner, you should know the boundary lines to avoid legal issues. For example, if you want to build a swimming pool or balcony in the backyard, you will have to build them within your property’s boundary limit. Otherwise, you will have to face legal charges or demolish them.
Now comes the question – who defines this property or boundary line. Usually, the surveyors determine the property line and set the legal boundaries of each property. The surveyors are also responsible for making a plot map. However, property lines are not unchangeable. If you and your neighbor decide to alter the boundary line, you can do it. For this, you will modify the property description and other legal documents.
How to Identify Boundary or Property Lines?
Check the Property Line Map
The easiest way to find the boundary line of your property is by checking the property line map. In this map, you will find your property's detailed measurements and information about additional structures. If you share a boundary line with your neighbor, you can also find that in the property line map.
Deed of the Property
You can find the boundary line in the deed of the property as well. It is a legal document where you can find information about the property ownership transfer. Unlike the plot map, it is a written description of the property line. For some reason, if the property line is not outlined in the latest property deed, you should ask the real estate agent to handover the old version of the deed.
Look for Boundary Line Markers
Boundary line markers are usually stripes or pins situated on the ground; indicating the legal limits of a property. You can identify the property line by looking at the boundary line markers. These boundary line markers are usually placed when the plots are first divided. However, sometimes, many homeowners remove these boundary line markers and place them in the wrong place. This is why it sometimes gets difficult to identify the right boundary line just by looking at the boundary line markers. However, you should always keep in mind that removing these boundary line markers from their place is illegal and punishable.
Examples of Property Line Encroachment
Property line encroachment happens when a property owner constructs something that crosses the property line into the neighbor’s property. For example, installing a fence that goes over the property line, trespassing without permission, extending the building structures such as a swimming pool, balcony, etc. onto the neighbor’s property. These may seem harmless, but this can lead to legal battles and property damage. That’s why as a real estate owner, you must know where the boundary line is.
