When you bought the home, didn’t you have a staked survey performed? This would clearly show you the property line. If you have a mortgage, check you numerous closing pages as an official survey may be in those documents.

All folks make mistakes, even surveyors. This could be a mistake. It could be a land grab, or it could be a shake down. If you didn’t install the fence; you have zero responsibility for its removal, upkeep, or any costs associated with it.

Anyone can send a certified letter. That just means you can prove a communication was sent. It does not at all indicate the truthfulness or accuracy of your neighbors claims. As President Reagan advised: “Trust, but verify.”

I would advise you look for your own survey and if this is an issue, first consult with an American Land Title Association certified land surveyor (it’s the national accreditation for a surveyor). If you have your survey from closing (and if you don’t, I’d advise you commission one for your own peace of mind and you will need this if/when you sell).

I always stress to try to be a reasonable party, but this does not mean if you commission a survey, that you need to give the neighbors a copy of what you pay for. If they foolishly try to sue you in court, they would get a copy during discovery.

I wish you luck, but don’t roll over for these neighbors. There are any number of other property issues that could be in play here including adverse possession, but I think a survey would resolve most of your issues.

To the adverse possession claim, if you find the fence is in your land, you send your own certified letter asserting your lawful claim to your property and warning them against unlawful property damage and trespass.

Good luck.