thehighroad
Junior Member
What is the name of your state? Washington
For 15-20 yrs a fence has separated our property from the adjacent property; much of it filled w/trees and bushes as a buffer between the properties. We have maintained it (mowed /clipped) the past 5 yrs and are clear this side of the fence has been maintained by residents in this house fully 15-20 years. Recently someone purchased the property, is at the end of building what was rumored a "spec" house, and had the property resurveyed w/stakes marking a boundary 15 feet from the fence into our property.
I questioned it - nicely - and shared that I believed that in this state if one can prove they have maintained an ajoining property for 7+ year that they have some property rights. He said he would be our new neighbor and threatened to "make your life a living hell if you try to take my property." He then said that if we didn't get attorneys involved he would leave the buffer as is. Two months later I asked when he plans to move in; he is pleasant but states he may have to sell it. I told him that if that happened I would like to discuss an easement prior to selling. He said yes; but frankly I don't trust his word or that he wouldn't vandalize us.
My question: if he sells it do I lose rights for an easement? Any advice is appreciated.
For 15-20 yrs a fence has separated our property from the adjacent property; much of it filled w/trees and bushes as a buffer between the properties. We have maintained it (mowed /clipped) the past 5 yrs and are clear this side of the fence has been maintained by residents in this house fully 15-20 years. Recently someone purchased the property, is at the end of building what was rumored a "spec" house, and had the property resurveyed w/stakes marking a boundary 15 feet from the fence into our property.
I questioned it - nicely - and shared that I believed that in this state if one can prove they have maintained an ajoining property for 7+ year that they have some property rights. He said he would be our new neighbor and threatened to "make your life a living hell if you try to take my property." He then said that if we didn't get attorneys involved he would leave the buffer as is. Two months later I asked when he plans to move in; he is pleasant but states he may have to sell it. I told him that if that happened I would like to discuss an easement prior to selling. He said yes; but frankly I don't trust his word or that he wouldn't vandalize us.
My question: if he sells it do I lose rights for an easement? Any advice is appreciated.