Party Wall Notice
A party wall agreement is a legal agreement between the owners of adjacent properties that sets out the rights and responsibilities of each party in relation to building work that will take place on or near a shared wall or structure (known as a “party wall”). This type of agreement is typically required when planning to carry out work such as an extension, loft conversion or excavation that affects a party wall or shared structure.
The Party Wall Act 1996 in the UK sets out the legal framework for party wall agreements. The act requires that property owners give notice to their neighbors of any proposed building work that will affect a party wall or shared structure, and allows for the appointment of a surveyor to act as an independent expert to resolve any disputes that may arise.
A party wall agreement typically includes details such as the scope of the proposed building work, the rights of access to the property for the building contractor, and any restrictions on the use of the property during the construction period. It also includes information on the cost-sharing arrangements between the two parties.
It is important to note that a party wall agreement is separate from planning permission and building regulations approval. A party wall agreement is specific to the shared wall or structure and is a legal agreement between the parties to ensure that the work is carried out safely and with minimal disruption to the neighbors.
A party wall notice is a formal written notice that is served to the owners of adjacent properties when planning to carry out building work that will affect a shared wall or structure (known as a “party wall”).
A party wall notice typically includes details such as:
The scope of the proposed building work
The rights of access to the property for the building contractor
Any restrictions on the use of the property during the construction period
The notice also sets out a time frame within which the adjacent property owner can respond to the notice, typically 14 days. If the adjacent property owner does not respond or objects to the proposed work, the property owner proposing the work can appoint a surveyor to act as an independent expert to resolve any disputes that may arise.