Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Virginia
Property
My neighbors purchased the home behind me in 2004, upon purchasing they built a privacy fence, which does not extend the entire length of their land. Now, I have a problem with cleaning up the weeds that grow in my backyard which is really their property. I have spoken with them, however, their only sugguestion was that I consider purchasing the strip of land. I do not want to purchase the land. Is there anything that can be done legally to make them clean up the property? I've lived in my house since 1998 and the previous neighbor had a fence in the same location and I just took care of the weeds, landscaping, however, I no longer want to be responsbile. Is there anything that can be done by the county in order to make them clean up the land? I do have some shrubs on the land in an effort to not make my yard such an eye sore for me and my guests when I entertain. I'm willing to move the shrubs if they will move their fence to the end of theire property line.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Property
When the unruly weeds and other undesirable flora begin to proliferate on the neigbor's property after you cease your maintenance, you could report it to the city or county authorities as a possible code violation. If that produces no satisfactory results, you might wish to consider filing an action in the general district court for the abatement of a private nuisance.