See what kind of *nice* neighbor you might get... this is real, posted on a Ottawa real estate forum.
Question: Superior Court of Justice Plaintiff's Claim from Neighbour
Posted by Sxxxx
We have a semi-detached rental property. The neighbour built an ugly chain fence right on the shared property line without notifying us. Now she sent us a Superior Court of Justice Plaintiff's Claim to us and to force us to pay half of the cost. We disagree to share the cost for the following reasons:
1: The fence was built without our agreement.
2: We discussed with the neighbour regarding to build a wood fence for $500 each before. She disagreed that the cost was too high for her, and she said she can find cheaper. She hinted for a chain fence, and we told her immediately that we don't want a chain fence. We only want a wood fence for aesthetic and privacy reasons.
3: The neighbour went ahead and built an ugly chain fence with notifying us even she has all of our contact information.
4: We want to built a wood fence in the near future, however the neighbour built the chain fence right on the shared property line.
We have been trying to find answers from the city by law officer. So far we haven't received the call back. We have the following questions and would appreciate greatly that you can give us some advice:
1: Is there a fence set-back by-law for semi-detached house in Ottawa?
2: Are we obliged to pay half of the cost to the neighbour even it is against our will?
3: Besides City Ottawa website, where else can we find by-law information?
We appreciate your help. Thank you in advance.
Pxxxxx