The problem of grumpy neighbors refusing to pass the willful ball over the fence will be a thing of the past Belgium.
From September 1st, anyone who accidentally kicks the ball or throws the ball into the neighbor’s garden will have the legal right to retrieve it-provided that they are willing to bravely face the frown and opposition of others. The same applies to pet owners who want to save animals that have gone astray.
Professor Vincent Sagat, who helped draft the new property law, said the move is necessary to clarify the country’s complex legal situation.
“Until September 1, the neighbor must return the ball. [But] They can deny you access to their garden,” Sagat told the Flemish radio channel VRT. “From September 1st, you have the right to get your ball or pet, provided it accidentally falls there. It is not allowed to just kick the ball through the hedge and look around. Of course, you must use your common sense.
He added: “You have to ring the neighbor’s doorbell first and ask, but if they refuse or are not at home, you can still enter the garden and get it back quickly.” “But just looking for your ball or animal, not taking other things, Because it’s still just the so-called theft.”
People worry that the new law will lead to an outbreak of discord. However, Eric Dierickx, as a justice of the peace, presided over the small claims court in Wezembeek-Oppem, Flemish Brabant, Belgium, and said he would pay close attention to the application of the law.
“People can’t walk into anyone’s garden from the beginning, and the justice of the peace is responsible for this,” he said. “Abuse of power will also be sanctioned. We must be vigilant about privacy.”
According to further changes in the law, people will have the right to walk on private land, provided that it is not fenced, cultivated, or cultivated.
It is also a legal right to enter a neighbor’s garden and set up a ladder when trimming hedges or cleaning drains. “This right will now extend to construction work,” Sagart said. “This is also a temporary right, and neighbors can also demand compensation for nuisance.”
Sagart said he does not believe that the law will affect privacy. “Of course third parties cannot use people’s property,” he said, according to the Brussels Times. “We are talking about the situation where the ball really accidentally fell into the neighbor’s garden.”
