Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 1 Exam Practice

Which situation best describes an encroachment?

1. A pool shed partially located on a neighbor's property.

2. A structural, concrete wall that is shared by two adjacent residential owners.

3. A mutual drive between two detached homes that is used by both owners.

4. A buried natural gas line that is installed between the street and a residential home.

5. Fences between two properties installed right on the property line.

6. The installation of a children's playground on common property.

The correct answer is: A pool shed partially located on a neighbor's property.

The situation that best describes an encroachment is indeed the scenario where a pool shed is partially located on a neighbor's property. Encroachment occurs when a property owner intrudes onto the property of another without permission, which is exactly what happens when a structure, like a shed, extends over the boundary line into a neighboring property. This can lead to property disputes if not addressed properly. The other situations described do not fit this definition of encroachment. For example, a shared structural wall typically represents a cooperative agreement between two property owners, rather than an intrusion. A mutual drive indicates shared use, but does not imply that either owner is encroaching on the other's property. Buried utility lines are often installed with the property owner's knowledge and are typically established based on agreements with utility companies, not as a result of encroachment. Fences on property lines are usually placed with the consent of both property owners and define their respective boundaries. Lastly, a playground installed on common property is generally situated with the agreement of those who share the property, thus also avoiding the definition of encroachment.