Understand Maryland Property Lines To Avoid Neighbor Disputes

If you want to make home improvements, put up fences, or resolve potential land encroachments, you need to know exactly where your property begins and ends. In Maryland, survey markers are used to clearly signal boundary lines. But, be careful not to damage or remove these markers — it’s a $2,500 fine. The trouble is, these markers aren’t always reliable, and you and your neighbor might still disagree on where boundaries lie. If you check your property deeds and understand survey markers, you’ll hopefully resolve any issues on your own. Otherwise you may need to take it to the circuit court for a final ruling.

Check your property deeds

Check your property deeds for information on property lines. They typically include a detailed (written) description of your boundaries, along with the location of any survey markers. Visit the Maryland Circuit Court Clerk’s Office in-person to get a copy of your deed, or request one online. But, sometimes, property deeds still don’t provide a clear and current picture of boundary lines. If that’s the case for you, consult a professional surveyor. They’ll assess your property and give you an official detailed report that clarifies the exact land you own.

Understand your property’s survey markers

In Maryland, survey markers must legally be in place to show where property boundaries are, as outlined in the Real Property Code § 14-111. These markers can be iron pipes or rods, metal spikes, or even holes drilled into objects to signify property boundary lines or corners. They should also be inscribed with the words “Property Marker” — or abbreviations like “Prop. Mark.” or “Prop. Mkr.”. So, to find your property’s survey markers, take a walk along your property line. You can also check your property plat for help here — it’s a map that shows the location of your survey markers. The map will use common survey symbols to indicate important reference points. A dot usually marks a corner, while a cross shows where a permanent monument is. You can find a copy of your plat at your local land records office.

The role of Maryland courts in resolving boundary disputes

If a boundary dispute with a neighbor arises, it’s up to the county circuit court to settle the issue, according to the Real Property Code § 14-111. Although the Code of Maryland Regulations outlines guidelines for surveyors who install survey markers, there’s no guarantee the markers will be preserved in the long run. And so disputes can arise. Older markers, for example, can be problematic. They may get buried, become hard to read, or be located somewhere else entirely from what the deed or plat says. If needed the court can consult experts like surveyors and engineers to help make a final decision on boundaries, and their fees will be added to the overall costs of the case.

Maryland’s laws on survey markers and land boundaries can be complex, so it’s important to know where exactly your land ends to avoid disputes. If problems arise, it’s always best to talk respectfully with your neighbor first, and leave costly court cases as a last resort.

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Understand Maryland Property Lines To Avoid Neighbor Disputes

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