Neighbor thinks he owns my land?

[jdfire]

Lots of good advice here. But, in reading through the thread I didn't see one mention of actually talking to your neighbors about this (unless I missed it). I think this is always the best place to start. If they turn out to be jerks or they disagree with the property line or there is any other dispute then proceed from there with whatever actions are required. On the other hand, maybe they'll surprise you and be really nice about the whole thing. Doesn't hurt to try.

 

[blueriver]

Lots of good advice here. But, in reading through the thread I didn't see one mention of actually talking to your neighbors about this (unless I missed it). I think this is always the best place to start. If they turn out to be jerks or they disagree with the property line or there is any other dispute then proceed from there with whatever actions are required. On the other hand, maybe they'll surprise you and be really nice about the whole thing. Doesn't hurt to try.

Agreed ... drive over, introduce yourself as the new owner and walk to the area they use and point out the property line. Advise them your intentions and make an agreement. May become friends and have a neighbor watching over that side of your property for you.

 

[Ken45101]

If they squat your land in Ohio and you take no action for seven years the land will become theirs. Sure as the grass grows and the wind blows. Not something to take lightly.

Are you sure about that? I have asked an Ohio lawyer about that specifically and he told me "no".

Lots of good advice here. But, in reading through the thread I didn't see one mention of actually talking to your neighbors about this (unless I missed it). I think this is always the best place to start. If they turn out to be jerks or they disagree with the property line or there is any other dispute then proceed from there with whatever actions are required. On the other hand, maybe they'll surprise you and be really nice about the whole thing. Doesn't hurt to try.

+1 on that! I can't believe this thread has gone on this long with all of the hostile recommendations without first talking about a friendly approach. It might not work, but it should be the first approach...unless one really wants to create long lasting problems.

Ken

 

[newbury]

Lots of good advice here. But, in reading through the thread I didn't see one mention of actually talking to your neighbors about this (unless I missed it). I think this is always the best place to start. If they turn out to be jerks or they disagree with the property line or there is any other dispute then proceed from there with whatever actions are required. On the other hand, maybe they'll surprise you and be really nice about the whole thing. Doesn't hurt to try.

Agree
First should be a pleasant talk telling them your concerns. without telling them you will give them the run of the place.

And post it as a CYA measure.

Whatever you do be careful in allowing them to build structures on YOUR land. If a third party gets hurt falling out of a tree stand it's probably going to go to your insurance.

If they are illegally hunting how can you prove it's them, not you setting up the stand?
Maybe invite the game warden over and ask innocently "is this legal?"
Be sure to have backup when you go do a face to face.

 

[strum456]

My first plan was to have the surveyor mark the line and then go talk to them. Now, after the baiting of deer, my stolen grate, and the blocking of my trails, I am starting to think that a face to face meeting might not go well. I am a teacher and cannot afford to get wrapped up in any kind of dispute.

 

[blueriver]

My first plan was to have the surveyor mark the line and then go talk to them. Now, after the baiting of deer, my stolen grate, and the blocking of my trails, I am starting to think that a face to face meeting might not go well. I am a teacher and cannot afford to get wrapped up in any kind of dispute.

Don't be intimidated by there actions ... no need to get wrapped up in any dispute ... take a friend, your dad along with you... and introduce yourself with a good firm handshake and be sure to tell them "I bought the land next to you and wanted to introduce myself" Let the conversation take place and control the conversation.

 

[Western]

Don't be intimidated by there actions ... no need to get wrapped up in any dispute ... take a friend, your dad along with you... and introduce yourself with a good firm handshake and be sure to tell them "I bought the land next to you and wanted to introduce myself" Let the conversation take place and control the conversation.

X's 1000 If possible may be worth $50 bucks to have the old surveyor there also. What Blueriver says here "control the conversation" I think is key. They obviously are hunting your land, that in itself is worth $$ in most areas.

I would approach them firm , but open to discussion. Bottom line, it's your land.

 

[brin]

My first plan was to have the surveyor mark the line and then go talk to them. Now, after the baiting of deer, my stolen grate, and the blocking of my trails, I am starting to think that a face to face meeting might not go well. I am a teacher and cannot afford to get wrapped up in any kind of dispute.

Strum....I am not a big fan of going onto your neighbors property to talk to them...If things do not go well , you are on their property and they can say you did or said anything. You would be going into an unknown situation on someones property....Better to call them and discuss it on the phone and if anything ask them to come over and see you....I recently had a similar experience and chose not to go onto their property and ended up resolving it on the phone.

 

[Jstpssng]

By all means talk to them first. They most likely know they are using your property. If they're amicable about it ask them to help you mark the line between the two properties: if they only have 2 acres you should almost be able to see from pin to pin. 300-400ft? Depending on the lot configuration.
Adverse possession would be hard for them to prove in this case. How long has the boyfriend lived there? Has the woman even lived there for 7 years?

I would refrain from remoing their possessions from your properrty though. Any damage incurred; real or imaginary; could become your liability.

 

[ajmbonaire]

Face to face with a witness or over the phone I would think contacting the neighbor would be the logical first thing to do, then take what action is necessary.