Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Re: liability for neighbor's sewerline on my lot

Interesting question. Some of my colleagues might have a different approach. I would think that your neighbor might have gained an easement for the sewer (or sewage) line across your property. If so, then you're not supposed to do anything to interfere with the easment. Still, I think it unreasonable to make you pay completely for the repair. Talk to your homeowners insurance carrier and see what the adjusters think. It might be covered.

Also, depending on when you purchased the property, you might have a claim against your title insurance carrier if it is, in fact, a recorded easement that had not been disclosed to you.

At the same time, your neighbor might owe you something for use of your land for the pipeline. So, one might call it a "wash." Maybe suggest that your neighbor reroute the line to the street wholly on your neighbor's property.