Neighbour or Body Corporate Approval: Who Sorts It Out?

In this post:

• How cost sharing works for a dividing fence in Queensland
• What happens if you and your neighbour can't agree
• Getting body corporate approval without the delays

Sometimes the fence is the easy part. Getting everyone to agree is the hard part.

Your neighbour wants timber and you want Colorbond. Your body corporate committee meets once every three months. Someone has to sign off and nobody's sure who.

One review I read described a simple fence replacement that was held up at every turn by the body corporate. The homeowner said the fencing company's manager was the one who kept pushing it forward and kept them informed. That's what made the difference.

If it's a dividing fence with a neighbour

In Queensland, neighbours usually share the cost of a standard dividing fence equally.

The best way is always a friendly chat first. Agree on the type, the height, the colour and the cost. Then put it in writing, even if it's a short email.

If you can't agree, there's a formal process. You give your neighbour a Notice to Contribute (Form 1). If you still can't agree after a month, either of you can apply to QCAT to decide.

Most of the time it never gets that far. People just want to know what they're paying for and what it'll look like.

If you're in a body corporate

In a townhouse or unit complex, the fence might belong to the body corporate, or it might be yours. It depends on where the fence sits and what your by-laws say.

Even when the fence is yours, you often need approval to change its look, height or colour. That usually means a written request to the committee.

The delay usually isn't the decision itself. It's the paperwork going back and forth.

How we help

We can't make the decision for you. But we can make it easier for everyone to say yes.

• A clear, itemised quote you can forward straight to your neighbour or committee.
• Colour samples and the exact panel profile, so nobody's guessing.
• Answers to their questions, by phone or email, so you're not stuck as the go-between.
• Flexible start dates while approval comes through.

We do a lot of work for body corporates and property managers, so we know what committees usually ask for.

If you're stuck waiting on a neighbour or a committee, call us. We'll help you put together what they need.

Common questions

Does my neighbour have to pay half?

Usually, for a standard dividing fence in Queensland. If they want something fancier than a standard fence, they may need to pay the extra themselves.

What if my neighbour won't respond?

You can give them a Notice to Contribute (Form 1). If there's no agreement after a month, either of you can apply to QCAT.

Do I need body corporate approval to replace my fence?

Often, especially if the look, height or colour changes. Check your by-laws or ask your body corporate manager.

Keep reading

• How do I know the fence is going on the right line?
• Replacing a fence when there's a pool behind it
• How much does a Colorbond fence cost in Brisbane?

Need help getting everyone on board? Call us on 07 2141 7748, get a price online or let's have a chat.