How to Deal with an "Unreasonable" Adjoining Owner During Building Works
Follow the process exactly, keep communication written and factual, and let your party wall surveyor deal with disagreement. The Act gives you routes past an owner who will not cooperate, so you rarely need to give in to unreasonable demands.
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- List exactly what they are asking for and why.
- Check each demand against the award or notice.
- Reply in writing, briefly and politely.
- Pass technical disagreements to your surveyor.
- Record all access, damage claims and complaints with dates.
- Take advice before stopping work or making concessions.
Separate reasonable from unreasonable
Some demands are fair. A schedule of condition, working hours, dust control, security for expenses and repair of damage are all things an adjoining owner may reasonably ask for. Others, such as demanding the work stops altogether, may not be.
Treat each request on its merits. Conceding sensible points early makes it easier to hold firm on the rest.
Use the machinery in the Act
If they will not appoint a surveyor within 10 days of a written request, you can appoint one for them. If their surveyor neglects to act for 10 days after a written request, the other surveyor may proceed alone.
If the two surveyors disagree, the third surveyor decides the point. An award is served on both owners, who then have 14 days to appeal to the county court.
Keep your own conduct clean
Make sure your notices were valid. Give 14 days' notice of access. Keep to working hours and follow the award. The more careful your paperwork, the harder it is for the neighbour to complain.
Costs and pressure
Where the work is for your benefit, you normally pay the reasonable costs of the process, including the neighbour's surveyor's reasonable fees. Fees must be reasonable and can be challenged under the Act.
Do not be drawn into arguments on the doorstep. Refer everything to your surveyor and keep written notes.
Frequently asked questions
Can they stop my work by refusing everything?
No. The Act allows the process to continue through surveyors and an award.
What if they demand money?
Refer it to the surveyors. Only costs and damage recognised by the award are payable.
Should I get a solicitor?
If threats, injunctions or court steps arise, yes.
Can I remove the surveyor they chose?
No. Concerns about fees or conduct go through the Act's routes.
Related guides
- What Happens if a Neighbour Ignores a Party Wall Notice?
- What to Do If a Neighbour Refuses Access to a Party Wall Surveyor
- Neighbour is Drunk or Aggressive with My Party Wall Surveyor: Legal Steps
- How to Dispute a Party Wall Surveyor's Fees Legally
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.