Hi there. The repair of a retaining wall is the responsibility of the owner whose property benefits from the retaining wall. This will be the property that created the need for a retaining wall by changing the level of the landscape. In rare cases where the retaining wall lies on the boundary such that it benefits the property owners equally, then both neighbours must contribute to its repair, which usually means a 50/50 split. If it is unclear who the retaining wall benefits, then an expert determination may be obtained from council records, or independently by employing a registered geotechnical engineer or surveyor.

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You may want to contact your local council for further general information. If the legal dispute continues, it would be best to speak to a private lawyer who can advise you of your options. By pressing the “Consult a Lawyer” button, LawAdvisor can help you search for experienced lawyers and obtain fee proposals for their services. Costs for legal advice and representation will vary between providers based on experience and the scope of services.