Neighbors want a new fence, even though there is one already.

What happens now if something happens? My car under the carport, for example? And if nothing happens: do I start hinting at the fence again with the new owners? Can he then invoke customary law?

There is no customary law in Germany as it is generally understood in everyday language. As always and everywhere in construction, the rule here also applies: put the owner in default. If assets could be damaged, put up the fence yourself and sue for the costs. If you don’t want any trouble, just build the fence yourself; 20m double wire mesh including installation costs less than 2,000 euros.

But the 2000 also have to be done. At the moment we are saving for a wallpaperer upstairs (drywall), a shower enclosure for the second shower in the bathtub, and another garden installation. I know, you have to set priorities :)

Because of customary law, you don't have to worry. There is an implied tolerance that in individual cases can lead to a claim to use, but this does not apply in your case, because you have addressed the grievance and there are no other facts that would justify a restriction of ownership.

An unsecured right of way can be an implied tolerance. That means if you continue to tolerate the use after becoming aware of it, a claim may arise from this.

Yvonne, your problem can most likely be solved by talking. In my opinion, a three-year-old is sensible enough to understand that Aunt Yvonne doesn't want him speeding through her hedge, but he is welcome to come to her on foot and get a treat. The tenant does have the landlord’s address, hopefully he also speaks our language and isn't always as high as a kite. Maybe the tenant would be quite happy with a fence too. It is my life experience that whenever things become legal, it is already too late on a personal level. Karsten

cool chain link fence

There is a fence and the neighbors have erected a privacy screen behind it. Can they even see the chain-link fence then? Regarding the privacy screen, in our case it does not need to be approved by the authorities, but the neighbor must agree if the privacy screen is right on the boundary. If it is the same with you, how is the approval then?