Sometimes you might pay for an extension or other work done on your home to give it that touch-up that is needed.
But when you, or your neighbour, do this, it is important to know the law surrounding it.
Here is whether or not a neighbour’s scaffolding can legally touch your house.
Can my neighbour’s scaffolding be touching my house?
Brits have been discussing the question on the r/AskUK forum on Reddit.
Someone posted an image of a neighbour’s scaffolding, of which the ends of some poles were touching the brickwork of their home.
The post reads: “I’ve just arrived home from work to find my next-door neighbours have erected some scaffolding.
“I noticed one of the poles is touching the wall of my house. Is this acceptable?
“I’m concerned about damage to my brickwork, but have no knowledge of scaffolding. Should I be asking them to move it away from my wall, or is this going to be ok?”
Plenty were quick to respond and weigh in on the topic.
One said: “Speak to the builder. We had the same and the lads just yanked it over a few inches off the house. No drama.”
Another responded: “They should have asked you for permission. You are well within your rights to ask them to remove it. You have legal options if they refuse.”
A third wrote: “Scaffolder here, no next door’s scaffolding should not be touching your property without permission. I would email this picture to the scaffold company and ask them to rectify it asap.”
Experts reveal whether a neighbour’s scaffolding can touch your house
In short, no, a neighbour cannot legally place scaffolding on or touching your house without your permission, as David Breare, property expert at Canonbury Management , explains.
He said: “In the UK, your property rights extend not just to the land you own but also to the space above it.
“This means your neighbour cannot legally place scaffolding on or touching your house without your permission.
“If scaffolding does encroach onto your property, it is considered trespass, and you can request its removal or even take legal action if necessary.”
David added that the only exception is under the Access to Neighbouring Land Act 1992, where a neighbour can apply to the court for temporary access to your land to carry out essential repairs.
But even then, this is strictly limited to what is needed for the repairs, and the court will consider your rights as the property owner.
He continued: “Other important points include safety and liability. Scaffolding must comply with UK health and safety laws, including the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, which ensure it is safely erected and maintained.
“If scaffolding causes a risk to visitors or trespassers, the person responsible may be liable under the Occupiers’ Liability Act.
“Finally, if scaffolding interferes significantly with your enjoyment of your property, it could be considered a private nuisance, giving you the right to seek compensation or an injunction.
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“The key advice is to communicate clearly with your neighbour, document any encroachment, and seek legal advice if necessary.
“Your rights as a property owner are protected under UK law, and there are clear steps to resolve such issues safely and legally.”
Jagdeep Sandher, partner and head of civil litigation at Blythe Liggins Solicitors, urged speaking to a neighbour to work out a solution.
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He said: “My advice would be to engage with the neighbours to say they are trespassing. It might not be their direct fault – it may be something which a scaffolder working on their home has done without consulting them, in which case they can tell them to alter it.
“Another option is that both parties may agree to it for a short time, though the neighbour isn’t obliged to agree to this and can’t be forced to, either.
“It is always a good idea to discuss with your neighbours any work that you intend to do to ensure that you impact them as little as possible.”
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