Side windows in the house

Questioner

We bought a house 2 years ago that was partly built in 1910 and renovated in the 70s. A number of side windows were installed then. The distance to the property line is I think just under 2 meters. There is a strip of land of about 7 to 10 meters between the property line and the house of the neighbors. Now our neighbours want to remove the trees in the garden that still provide privacy and are now wondering whether we are allowed to have our windows in the side wall. We were not aware when buying this house and were not made aware of a possible problem. We are curious what we are now obliged to do and whether there is a possible prescription?

Lawyer

If the windows gave an unobstructed view of the neighbours' property, you should have asked permission. Permission can be inferred from actions or omissions, but not protesting is not enough. However, this situation can expire after 20 years, and that has happened. Your neighbours can no longer demand that you remove or blind the windows.