You’ve heard the legend: the side with the rails or the prettier finish belongs to the owner. This is not a legal rule. It’s a decorative preference, not a deed. Many homeowners flip their fences so the “ugly” side faces outward, which can trick you into thinking the neighbor owns it.
Imagine yourself in a big city row house—nobody cares about the ugly side, they just want privacy. Cultural references aside, the “good side” is about aesthetics, not ownership. Always check the survey before you start painting that “ugly” side in protest.