There’s no legal obligation on us as a landlord to put in a fence or mark the boundaries of our properties. A boundary is an invisible line that marks the borders of a property. Physical features such as fences or hedges may run along the line of a boundary, but it’s not legally required.

As a responsible landlord, we put in fences where we think they’re appropriate.

Fencing repairs

We will not repair dividing fences that separate your garden from a neighbour's garden. We will repair boundary fences that separate your garden from a public area if there is a health and safety risk, for example, if your fence has fallen onto the public highway or path. We may also consider request repairs to dividing fences if you have a vulnerability or there’s an anti-social behaviour risk.

We only repair existing fencing in specific circumstances. If you wish to replace an existing fence with something different, or erect a new fence, you must get our permission and comply with local authority planning regulations. Just contact us to explain what you wish to do. You’ll have to accept these conditions.

Some tenants, who are unable to carry out necessary fencing work themselves, may qualify for help from voluntary organisations in Kent. Housing Care, an information service for older people, has more information.

Here are the questions we are most often asked about fences:

  • Who is responsible for repairing gates, fences, and boundary walls?

    We're responsible for repairing boundary fences, gates, and walls that divide a West Kent property from a road or public footpath.

    We're not responsible for repairs to dividing fences, gates in dividing fences, or gates giving access to the rear garden from the front garden. These are all residents' responsibility to repair or replace. 

  • What is a boundary fence?

    A boundary fence separates a property from a road or public footpath.

  • What is a dividing fence?

    A dividing fence separates a property from a neighbouring property (or properties).

    They are residents' responsibility to maintain, and we will only attend to carry out a make safe repair or removal.

To request a make-safe fencing repair log into My West Kent, contact customer services on 01732 749400 or email help@wkha.org.uk