Does Fence Post Repair Require Access Through Your Neighbour's Yard?
In most fence post repairs, access from the neighbour's side of the fence is not required — Lean On Me technicians work with a handheld auger that needs only 1.5 feet of clearance on one side of the post. When neighbour-side access is needed, a simple heads-up in advance is usually all that is required.
Lean On Me
May 8, 2026 · 4 min read
One of the concerns that sometimes delays a fence repair booking is the assumption that the technician will need to access both sides of the fence — requiring your neighbour to be home, their yard to be accessible, and their cooperation on the day of the repair.
In practice, this concern is usually unnecessary. Here is how access actually works for most fence post repairs and what to do in the less common cases where neighbour-side access is genuinely needed.
H2: Most Repairs Work from One Side Only
The Lean On Me repair process uses a handheld auger that requires approximately 1.5 feet of clear working space on one side of each post. In the vast majority of residential repairs, this clearance is available on the homeowner's side of the fence. Technicians work entirely from your property, bore the auger hole from your side, and complete the full installation without stepping onto your neighbour's property.
H2: When Neighbour-Side Access Is Needed
There are situations where your side of the fence does not provide sufficient clearance: for example, if a fence runs alongside your house with less than a foot of space on your side, or if permanent landscaping on your side makes access impossible. In these cases, the technician may need to work from the neighbour's side to complete the repair properly.
H2: How to Handle Neighbour Access in Advance
If you anticipate that your side may not have adequate clearance, mention it when booking. The team will flag it for the technician to assess on arrival. If neighbour access turns out to be needed, a brief knock on the door or a text is usually all it takes. Most neighbours are happy to unlock a gate for a 15-minute repair visit that involves no heavy machinery and minimal disruption to their yard.
H2: Neighbour Has a Dog or Locked Gate
**Dog in yard:** Let your neighbour know the repair is happening and ask them to keep the dog inside during the repair window. The technician cannot safely work around an unrestrained dog.
**Locked gate:** Ask your neighbour to leave the gate unlocked during the repair window, or arrange to have the code or key available for the technician. Alternatively, confirm with the technician whether the repair is feasible from your side alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the technician go onto my neighbour's property without their permission?
No. Lean On Me technicians will not access a neighbouring property without the owner's consent. If neighbour-side access is needed and consent cannot be obtained, the technician will assess whether the repair is possible from your side alone.
What if my neighbour refuses to provide access?
The technician will attempt to complete the repair from your side. In some cases, an alternative drilling angle or position makes this possible. If it genuinely cannot be done from your side, the team will advise on next steps.
Do I need to be home to facilitate neighbour access?
Not necessarily. If you have already arranged the access with your neighbour before the repair day, the technician can handle the coordination directly. Make sure the technician has the neighbour's contact information or that the neighbour knows to expect a knock that morning.
sources
- Lean On Me Sales Training Manual (internal, 2026)