Quick answer: For storm damage fence repair in WA, either neighbour can fix a damaged dividing fence straight away without giving notice, then claim half the cost from the other owner under the Dividing Fences Act 1961. Take photos, make the area safe, then decide whether to repair or replace.
Did this week’s wild weather leave your boundary fence damaged? Lightning, heavy rain and gusty wind can knock out panels, posts and footings, and a fallen branch can finish the job. So here’s what to do first, who pays, and how to tell a quick storm damaged fence repair from a full replacement. This is general info, not legal advice.
What should you do first after storm damage?
- Stay clear of hazards. Keep away from fallen power lines, and wear gloves around bent Colorbond sheets because the edges can cut.
- Take photos before you move anything. Shoot each damaged section from a few angles. You’ll need them for insurance and for your neighbour.
- Block the gap. Put up a temporary barrier if you have kids or pets. If the fence is part of your pool barrier, sort that out first. Our pool fence regulations WA guide explains what you need.
- Tell your neighbour. A quick message now saves arguments later.
- Get written quotes. Ask a few fencing contractors what’s included, such as removal of the old fence, concrete and gates, and look for ones that are highly recommended by past customers. A quote speeds up both the repair and any insurance claim.
Who pays for a storm damaged fence in WA?
Under the Dividing Fences Act 1961, neighbours generally split the cost of a sufficient dividing fence equally, as the WA Government dividing fences guide explains. Storm damage has its own rules, though:
- Storm, lightning, flood or fire damage: Either owner can repair the fence straight away without giving notice, then recover half the cost from the other owner.
- Fire or a falling tree, with a negligent neighbour: They pay the full repair bill. For all other damage, you split the cost.
- Upgrades: If you build a better fence than a sufficient one before your neighbour agrees, you can only claim half the cost of a sufficient fence. You cop the rest.
For the full notice process, check our Dividing Fences Act WA guide.
Storm damaged fence repair or replacement: which do you need?
| What you can see | Likely fix |
|---|---|
| Loose or dented fencing panels, with solid fence posts | Re-secure or swap the panels |
| One or two sections hit by a branch | Replace those sections only |
| Leaning fence posts or footings lifting out of the ground | Re-set the posts or replace the run |
| Damage along most of the fence line, or a tree across it | Replace the lot |
Most fence repairs in Perth start with a check of the fence posts and footings, because sandy soil and heavy rain can loosen them. Timber posts can also snap at ground level, while steel posts tend to bend or lean. So a leaning fence doesn’t always mean the panels are the problem.
Fencing repairs make sense when only a few panels or posts are damaged, and replacing just those sections is often cost effective when the rest is solid. When most of the run is damaged, replacing it usually makes more sense than patching it.
A full replacement costs more upfront, but a high quality fence can work out cheaper in the long term than repeated patching. Our Colorbond fencing cost guide shows what a replacement costs per metre. For anything beyond a loose panel, professional fencing repairs are also safer than a DIY patch, because damaged posts and sheets can shift without warning.
Can you claim storm damage on insurance?
Check your policy first, whether you’re insuring a home or business. Some policies cover fences for storm damage and others don’t, and your excess might be higher than a small repair. If you can claim, insurers usually want photos and a written quote, so ask yours what it needs before you book the work. Also talk to your neighbour about who claims, so you don’t both lodge a claim for the same damage.
Need a storm damaged fence repairer in Perth?
A written quote helps with insurance and with splitting the cost. Our reliable fence repair services for storm damage cover panels, posts and gates, and our fencing installation team can replace the whole run if needed. Good fencers check post depth, concrete and rail levels, and that attention to detail keeps a repaired fence standing through the next storm. If the storm also damaged your gate, ask about gate installation, and see our Colorbond gate cost guide for what to expect.
Check out our services page or give the MKB Fencing crew a bell. We work across Perth, including Morley, Belmont, Midland, Balcatta and Victoria Park.
FAQ
Who pays for storm damage fence repair in WA?
Neighbours generally split the cost of a sufficient dividing fence equally. Either owner can fix storm damage straight away without notice and claim half back.
Do I need to give my neighbour notice before repairing a storm damaged fence?
Not for urgent repairs after a storm, lightning, flood or fire. For other repairs, you give written notice, and your neighbour has 14 days to object in writing. Our Dividing Fences Act WA guide covers the notice steps.
Can I claim a storm damaged fence on insurance?
It depends on your policy and excess. Check your cover, then ask your insurer what it needs, which is usually photos and a written quote.
Should I repair or replace a storm damaged Colorbond fence?
Storm damaged fence repairs often work for loose or dented fencing panels with solid posts, and you can usually swap a section without redoing the lot. Leaning posts, failed footings or damage along most of the run usually mean replacing the lot.
Who pays if my neighbour’s tree falls on my boundary fence?
If your neighbour was negligent, they may have to cover the full repair. Otherwise you split the cost. Photograph the tree and the damage before anything moves.