Ask Sacramento Real Estate Gal Answers

Welcome to Ask Sacramento Real Estate Gal where you can ask your burning real estate questions and I answer them! So let's get straight to it!

Dear Sacramento Real Estate Gal,
My house has a fence that is rotting and breaking down on the back of the property. I will be selling the home next year and I know that in this market I have to make it the best it can look.
As such, I have tried to talk to my neighbors who share the fence to get them to pay for half. I have only been successful in locating the tenants - the house behind me is a rental. And then last week finally I got the landlord's phone number. I have left him innumberable messages, but he won't get back to me. I'm assuming he doesn't want to pay for half, as he is legally required to do.
I have a good mind to put up just half a fence. Your thoughts? - D.S.

Dear D.S.,
Wow... half a fence?!? :) Seriously though, you don't want to do that, do you? Look, it's obvious that your neighbor doesn't want to pay for half, but that's the only part I agree with you on.
It's common for neighbors to share costs for a common fence, but I'm not sure if it's a legal requirement. Personally, my husband and I have replaced a fence on our own because there was a chain link fence in the backyard and we wanted our privacy. We contacted the owner just like you did and he didn't respond. I would recommend sending him a registered letter, though, just in case.
And then let it go and build the entire fence. Your need for it is higher than his, perhaps. Nevertheless, if you don't build it (or build half a fence, which I really hope you're not serious about!) you will be the one most negatively affected by it in terms of the sale of your home.
Good luck!