Party Wall Notice Consent vs Acknowledgement: What's the Difference?
Consent means the adjoining owner agrees in writing to the work described, without an award. Acknowledgement only confirms they received the notice. Silence is neither, and after 14 days it is treated as a dispute.
The two responses
When an adjoining owner receives a notice, they have 14 days to respond in writing. They can consent, dissent or, for certain work, serve a counter-notice. Sometimes an owner signs to say they have received it. That is not consent.
Read the wording on the form. Check that the neighbour has ticked or signed the right box.
What consent covers
Consent applies to the work described in the notice. It generally means no surveyor or award is needed for that work. It is not possible for some notices, such as those needing a surveyor after a counter-notice.
Consent does not remove the owner's right to a surveyor. They could have dissented instead, which would have led to an award.
Consent
- Agrees in writing to the work described
- Usually means no award is needed for that work
- Only covers what the notice says
- Not available for every type of notice
- Should be signed and dated
Acknowledgement
- Confirms the notice was received
- Does not agree to the work
- Helps prove the date of service
- The 14-day clock for a response continues
- No response after this leads to a dispute
What an acknowledgement does
An acknowledgement records that the notice arrived and when. It helps prove service. It does not agree to the work, and the 14-day response clock still applies. If the neighbour acknowledged but did not respond further, treat it as a dispute.
Uncertain areas
Whether a neighbour can withdraw consent, and whether a text or email counts as writing, is not clearly settled. Get signed written consent and take advice where doubt exists.
Practical steps for both sides
If you are the building owner, ask for the response in writing and read it closely. If a form is returned with an ambiguous mark, ask the neighbour to clarify rather than guessing. If you are the adjoining owner, do not sign anything you are unsure about. You can dissent, and a surveyor will then protect your interests. Keep a copy of whatever you return and note the date, because the 14 days run from receipt of the notice.
Compare the two
The panel below sets out the main differences in plain terms.
Frequently asked questions
Does signing for receipt mean agreement?
No. Check whether the neighbour ticked consent or only acknowledged.
Can I start work after an acknowledgement?
No. You need consent or an award.
Can consent be given verbally?
It should be in writing. A verbal yes is unsafe.
What if they dissent?
Surveyors are appointed and an award is made.
Related guides
- What Happens if a Neighbour Signs a Party Wall Notice But Then Objects?
- Neighbour Text Message Consent: Is a Text Legally Binding Under the Party Wall Act?
- Party Wall Notices, Awards, and Agreements Explained
- What Happens if a Neighbour Ignores a Party Wall Notice?
Last updated: . This page is general information about the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 (England and Wales). It is not legal advice. Every property and dispute is different, so take advice from a party wall surveyor or a solicitor before you act.