Sheds: These are not normally regarded as permanent structures, but many local governments have regulations regarding both their proximity to property lines and their area, as it may exceed lot-coverage restrictions. In Canada and the U.S., municipal building permits must be obtained for any shed over a certain square footage, while approval from the Planning Commission is required in Britain. Homeowners should check that their backyard shed meets with municipal approval.

Trees: During the winter, it's often difficult for homebuyers to ascertain a deciduous tree's condition—healthy or unhealthy—due to its lack of foliage. A property owner must disclose any latent property defects to a potential buyer and, therefore, should fully disclose the poor health of any significant trees.

Homeowners whose trees are infested with pests such as the mountain pine beetle in Western Canada and the U.S. and the emerald ash borer and Asian longhorn beetle in central areas of North America should advise prospective buyers of notices sent by provincial or local advisory groups. Otherwise, an unsuspecting buyer may have to deal with a dying tree's snapping branches that could damage the owner's or a neighbor's home. The buyer may also be on the hook for tree removal costs. Most municipalities legislate that tree branches hanging across the property line into a neighbor's space may legally be trimmed by that neighbor.

In some British municipalities, homeowners can be responsible for damage that any of their trees (including the roots) may cause to neighboring properties.