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Read more articles in: Blog, Dispute Resolution, Lorraine Walker
27 May 2026
Whether you occupy a commercial property yourself or let it out to other businesses, you will rely on that property for at least some of your revenue.
It is in your best interest and that of your neighbours if all boundaries can be respected, but this is not always the case.
When boundary disputes do arise, understanding the best approach to resolution can be an effective way of restoring the peace that lets businesses thrive.
In much the same way that people put a lot of value on their residential property, commercial property carries a great emotional weight, given that it is tied to a person’s livelihood.
Most commonly, boundary disputes can be traced back to a breakdown in communication that has prevented a smaller issue from being resolved effectively.
It can be difficult for some to understand where the boundary between properties legally rests, especially in environments where multiple commercial properties are in close proximity.
Boundary features can also be a source of tension, as most commercial landlords will see the value in maintaining them, but some may not feel comfortable contributing the time and money to do so.
Fences, walls and car parks can be shared by multiple commercial properties and serve to benefit them all in terms of aesthetic and practicality.
Not every commercial landlord will have determined who exactly is responsible for maintaining boundary features, with some taking on more responsibility than they are legally required to.
This often takes the form of casual agreements over a cup of tea and a handshake, centring on the joint benefit that comes from keeping things well maintained.
However, a change in landlord or circumstance can leave these informal agreements cast aside.
New neighbours may be less inclined to be as generous as their predecessors and conflict can arise if you suddenly have to take on more responsibility.
Similarly, a new landlord may not wish to maintain a boundary feature at all, causing tension as the neglect harms multiple businesses.
Seeking professional legal advice is a good way to mitigate the risk of a boundary dispute, but there is no guarantee that one will never arise.
Having clear boundary agreements strengthens your legal position and ensures that there is a legal basis for the fair division of responsibility.
There may be different legal factors to consider when determining where the boundaries of a property are and who should maintain shared boundary features.
It should have been made clear when you purchased the property, but if this information was inaccurate, has been lost, or is being challenged or updated, then it is vital to get legal support.
Our team can help you to understand the boundaries of your commercial property from a legal perspective.
We can draw up a boundary agreement that represents a fair division of responsibility for all affected parties and can assist you with communicating with neighbours.
Even if you are in the midst of a boundary dispute, the core approach of understanding the exact legal boundaries of the property and who should be maintaining shared assets is vital.
Only once this has been established can the correct boundaries be enforced, either through a new boundary agreement, a mediator assisting with existing agreements, or with a court order that holds all parties to account.
Ultimately, it is in the best interests of all parties to understand boundaries and avoid or resolve disputes through clear communication.
With professional support, you can take the stress out of boundary disputes and focus on keeping your commercial property an important asset.
Get in touch for expert support in mitigating and resolving boundary disputes with commercial properties.
