New neighbours soon-can I cut their hedge?

Question

the neighbouring property is sold but empty.their hedge has encroached on my drive i rent,scratching my car for years and its getting worse.I own my own property but dont own the land my drive is on ,its open land,where their is a pedestrian right of way which I just rent under those conditions, from Council for a peppercorn,involving Council is a definate No (red tape,too much hasstle etc.) .Can i safely cut the hedge before they move in.As I keep myself to myself and dont wish to be involved with new neighbours.plz advise

Answer 1

Well are the hedges on yourside of the property line? if they are you can but they aren't then you can't.. ask somemoene that could help you out.. and if its not why does it matter about the hedges??? best ofluck

Answer 2

You could contact them (realtor, clerk of court has that info) and explain the problem and ask them if they mind.

Probably they will appreciate any help they can get.  Moving is a harrowing experience most times.

Answer 3

Legally you have the right to cut back any shrubs etc. from next door that overhang or encroach on your property. Who's going to know if you make a tidy job of it? They may even appreciate it.

Answer 4

If it is on your property then you can but legally you have to give them back what you have chopped off, because it is actually theirs!!!

Answer 5

You need legal advice, and applicable law wouold probably vary from state-to-state.

It really sounds like you're asking if you can get away with doing what you want to.

If you really don't want to be involved, keep your hands off.

Answer 6

You have a right of way and not the right to assume that any other act will be accepted.  You do not own the land Your drive is on. The answer to your question is a definite NO.  Ask your neighbour and obtain his consent,that should not be too difficult? If you do not and just go ahead and do it,you may be at logger heads for a very long time.Not advisable . I am sure it would not result in anything more than that,as it would be too costly for your neighbour to pursue.  

Answer 7

yes

Answer 8

If you are in the UK, then you can cut the hedge on your side. However it would be wise not reduce the height though, before speaking to your neighbour first. You can of course tidy up the top, rather than cut down the height. There are a lot of rules and regulations concerning reducing hedge height and you may need to consult a solicitor if there is a dispute about it. Some hedges have preservation orders and the may be protected.

If you don't want to be involved actively with your neighbours, you don't have to. You should be polite though and return a greeting. At that point then walk away. Your neighbours will then get the fact that you are a nice person, but not wanting to get involved is not a bad thing.

You can complain about the hedge to the local authority, if your neighbours call a problem, but they won't action anything, unless you have made a concerted effort to deal with it yourself first. Good luck.x