Who Pays for a Shared Fence Between Neighbours in Ontario?
Last updated: June 2026
In Ontario, the cost of a boundary fence between two properties is generally shared 50/50 when both owners agree, under the Line Fences Act. Neither neighbour can force the other to pay for a purely decorative or upgraded fence, but both share responsibility for a reasonable boundary fence. If neighbours can't agree, the Act provides a formal process: the municipality can appoint fence-viewers to inspect the boundary and issue a binding decision on construction and cost-sharing. Before building on a property line, confirm the line with a survey — surveys in Ontario typically cost $1,800–$3,000.
Who pays for a fence between two neighbours in Ontario?
Under Ontario's Line Fences Act, the cost of a boundary fence is typically split 50/50 when both owners agree it's needed. The Act treats a reasonable boundary fence as a shared responsibility.
What if my neighbour won't agree or won't pay?
If neighbours can't reach agreement, the Line Fences Act lets either owner ask the municipality to appoint fence-viewers — officials who inspect the boundary and issue a binding decision on who builds what and how the cost is split. This is a real, low-cost municipal process, not a court case.
Do you have to pay for a fence you didn't ask for?
You generally share the cost of a reasonable boundary fence, but you cannot be forced to pay half of a premium or decorative upgrade you didn't agree to — the shared obligation is for a reasonable standard, not your neighbour's preferred materials.
How do you know where the property line is?
Confirm it with a property survey before building on or near a boundary — guessing leads to encroachment disputes and fences that have to be moved. Surveys in Ontario typically run $1,800–$3,000.
Brockville requires confirming property lines before building — see the Brockville permit guide. Check Kingston's fence bylaw too.
Who owns and maintains an existing shared fence?
A boundary fence is generally a shared responsibility for both adjoining owners, including reasonable repair and replacement. Older fences with unclear ownership are common, and the Line Fences Act process exists precisely to resolve those.
For cost estimates, see the full fence cost guide.