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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hello Fellow Listservers:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I have an interesting situation regarding fencing and fence replacement and I wanted to ask the listserv their thoughts on the matter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Facts:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I have a client who wants to replace a boundary fence to replace failing and damaged fencing on client’s property. Three other neighbors have agreed to share the costs for the replacement and installation of the fencing, but a fourth will not. Notice was sent pursuant to RCW 16.60.040 that client intended to replace the failing fencing with new fencing and provided both a quote for the replacement and the requested contribution and cited to RCW 16..60.020 – 16.60.040, which as I read it state that adjoining property owners must share in the cost for a boundary fence and if one will not pay, then the cost is recoverable by law. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Neighbor has responded that instead of replacing the fence consistent with the quality, materials, and aesthetics of the new planned fence, neighbor will hire a relative to repair the existing fence. Relative is a licensed contractor, but this is clearly not an arm’s length transaction. Further, my client has had an unpleasant experience/ confrontation with the person who would serve as the contractor to the point where the police were called and responded. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I believe that the offer is only made as an attempt to avoid the neighbor’s responsibilities under RCW 16..60.020 – 16.60.040 to pay for the fencing and disrupt my client from installing fencing that she and the other neighbors have agreed to. Further, it feels like it was done in bad faith. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Does anyone have any insights into these issues? If the neighbors began work to repair the fencing without my client’s permission or approval, would my client have claims such as trespass, trespass to property for repairing the fence? Would my client be financially responsible for any of the repairs? RCW 16..60.020 – 16.60.040 only appear to speak to installation or construction of fencing, it does not speak to fencing repairs. Further, there would likely be notice issues as RCW 16.60.040 requires “reasonable length of time” to pass after giving notice, but doesn’t define what would be reasonable. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Would my client need to obtain a TRO to prevent the neighbors from taking action to repair the fence because the client does not consent to the repairs? Would my client need a declaratory judgment from the Court first before removing the damaged fencing and installing the new fencing? <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I’ve conducted legal research into the matter, but there appears to be a paucity of decisions on these matters. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Any thoughts, opinions, insights, experiences are appreciated. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Warmest regards,<br><br></span><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:purple'>Michael S. Safren, Esq.</span></b> <b><br></b><i>Attorney at Law</i> <br><br>14900 Interurban Ave. S., Ste. 280 | Seattle, WA 98168 <br>11900 NE 1st St., Bldg. G - Ste. 300 | Bellevue, WA 98005 <br>P: (206) 859-5098 | E: <a href="mailto:msafren@jennylinglaw.com" target="_blank"><span style='color:blue'>msafren@jennylinglaw.com</span></a> <br><u><a href="http://www.jennylinglaw.com/" target="_blank"><span style='color:blue'>www.jennylinglaw.com</span></a></u> | <u><a href="http://www.facebook.com/jennylinglaw/" target="_blank"><span style='color:blue'>facebook.com/jennylinglaw/</span></a></u> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><br><span style='font-size:8.0pt'>This communication, including attachments, may contain information that is confidential and protected by the attorney/client or other privileges. It constitutes non-public information intended to be conveyed only to the designated recipient(s). If the reader or recipient of this communication is not the intended recipient, an employee or agent of the intended recipient who is responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, or you believe that you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail and promptly delete this e-mail, including attachments without reading or saving them in any manner. The unauthorized use, dissemination, distribution, or reproduction of this e-mail, including attachments, is prohibited and may be unlawful. Receipt by anyone other than the intended recipient(s) is not a waiver of any attorney/client or other privilege.</span> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>