Real Estate Glossary

What is Encroachment?

An encroachment is a situation in which a structure or other object intrudes onto another person's property. Encroachments may be physical, such as a fence that extends onto a neighbor's property, or they may be non-physical, such as a right-of-way or an easement. Encroachments may be intentional or unintentional, and they may be the result of a mistake or a dispute. Encroachments may be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or legal action, and they may have an impact on the value or use of the property.