Adjoining landowners are owners of land with common boundaries, and have mutual rights, duties, and obligations related to their adjoining pieces of land.
In Minnesota, adjoining landowners, also known as adjacent property owners, have certain rights and responsibilities concerning their shared property boundaries. These include the duty to respect the property lines and not to use the land in a way that would harm or devalue the neighboring property. Minnesota law also addresses issues such as boundary disputes, fence maintenance, and tree trimming when they straddle property lines. For instance, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 561 covers 'Spite Fences' and allows for legal action if a neighbor erects a fence out of malice that is potentially injurious to adjoining property. Additionally, under common law, there may be implications for easements, which can grant a neighbor the right to use a portion of another's land for a specific purpose, such as access to a public road. It is important for adjoining landowners to be aware of these laws and to work cooperatively to resolve any disputes. If a resolution cannot be reached, they may need to consult with an attorney to explore their legal options.