New Fence on neighbor's land

[FastbackJon]

What is the name of your state? Washington

Got a new neighbor that just built a house and put up a fence between us behind my house. Previously it was unimproved land. He put the fence 18 inches on his side of the property. He said he did that so he could get behind it and maintain it.

I have been told by more than one person that after so long, that strip of 18 inches wide by 130 feet long becomes my property by default.

Is that true and what is the name for it?

It will end up being part of my lawn and I'll mow it and fertilize it, etc.

 

[Ozark_Sophist]

No, it will not become your property. The fence does not have to be on the property line and a setback allows for maintenance of both sides of the fence. Don't trespass on your neighbor's property.

 

[nextwife]

The neighbor will be maintaininhg his own land. That means that he will have continuing use of the land. There is no adverse possession when the owner has continuous use.

I have a fence a good ten feet inside my lot line, along the side of my driveway, rather than on the lot line, along the opposite side of our drive. We did that so that we did not have to worry about dog or kid getting behind the car from the yard.. That does NOT mean my driveway will become my neighbor's property!

 

[HomeGuru]

Two good responses.

 

[iflylow74]

No, it will not become your property. The fence does not have to be on the property line and a setback allows for maintenance of both sides of the fence. Don't trespass on your neighbor's property.

Amen to that!!!

 

[iflylow74]

....I have been told by more than one person that after so long, that strip of 18 inches wide by 130 feet long becomes my property by default.

Is that true and what is the name for it?

It will end up being part of my lawn and I'll mow it and fertilize it, etc.

Even if you could, why would you want to steal your neighbors property? Just freaking buy it if you want it!!