Adjoining landowners are owners of land with common boundaries, and have mutual rights, duties, and obligations related to their adjoining pieces of land.
In Washington State, adjoining landowners, also known as adjacent property owners, have certain rights and responsibilities concerning their shared property boundaries. These include maintaining boundary lines, managing shared resources like fences and trees, and addressing any encroachments. Washington law requires landowners to collaborate on the construction and maintenance of boundary fences under certain conditions, as outlined in RCW 16.60.020-050. Additionally, the state follows the common law principle for tree encroachment, where a landowner has the right to trim branches or roots that cross into their property from a neighbor's tree. However, they must do so without unnecessarily harming the neighbor's tree. Disputes between adjoining landowners over boundaries or encroachments can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or, if necessary, litigation. It is advisable for landowners to consult with an attorney to understand their specific rights and obligations and to address any legal issues that arise with adjoining properties.