The little known law which could see you hit with a £500 fine just for bouncing on your trampoline
THE last thing anyone wants to be lumbered with is a surprise bill that they didn’t see coming.
So gardening fans should listen up, as a property expert has issued a series of warnings about the do’s and don’ts of your outside space – and how one item could even see you slapped with a hefty £500 fine.
Tabatha Cumming, who is a property law pro working for The Lease Extension Company, revealed four common errors that people continue to make.
What’s more, she said that, in her experience, many homeowners had no idea of the risks they were taking.
Tabatha revealed: “There are several laws that you could be breaking in your garden without actually being aware.”
The property pro then launched into her four-strong list, detailing exactly why some green-fingered decisions could come back to bite you in the future.
In an interview with The Express, Tabatha pointed out that the number one thing to take note of is particularly important for anyone who owns a trampoline.
She explained how the fun, kids’ play area could provide lots of happy memories.
But they would instantly sour if the trampoline was placed in the wrong area in the garden.
That’s because trampolines – and more importantly, their positioning – could breach strict privacy laws.
According to Tabatha, under Article 8 of the Human Rights Act, bouncing too high could infringe on privacy rights.
Therefore, trampolines should be placed away from home boundaries and fences, with some even choosing to extend the height of their fences as an added layer of protection.
She then continued to say that in some rare instances people could be subject to “fines of up to £500 and the removal of the trampoline altogether if they don’t comply with these rules.”
Other experts have also weighed in on the topics on the past, and, according to Get Kids Outside,
They claimed: “If your trampoline all of a sudden allows for yourself and your children to be able to peer over into other people’s gardens, then there may well be issues with their privacy rights.
“And at the very least you may well develop a bad relationship with your neighbours which we all would love to not have!”
Tabatha then continued to talk about garden etiquette and other things that could enrage your next door neighbours on both sides.
She said that there could be disputes over fallen leaves, but went on to clear up the debate.
The property pro said that if leaves or debris fall from your neighbours’ trees or plants into your garden, they do not have to help you clear it up.
Similarly, boundaries can prove to be tricky, as the legal expert said that unless it’s outlined in the deeds of a home, “there is no legal responsibility to maintain boundaries” and that they often “move over time.”
The fourth and final thing to consider when setting up your garden is equally as important.
Tabatha concluded that when it comes to hedges that separate two homes, its upkeep is both of their responsibilities.
But there’s also a small (but very important point) to remember – if the hedge is part of your neighbours’ property but has simply grown onto yours, you must request permission before you trim it.
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