Dispute Resolution Checklist for Adjoining Owners

Tick off the steps if you are the neighbour receiving a notice.

Read the notice carefully: who served it, what work, and the proposed start date. Check it was served in writing and at least 1 or 2 months before the start date, as the type of work requires. Diarise the 14-day response deadline from the day you received it. Decide: consent in writing, dissent, or serve a counter-notice for extra work you want. If you dissent or do not want to rely on the other side, appoint your own surveyor or agree a single agreed surveyor. Ask that the building owner pays your surveyor's reasonable fees (this is normal where the work is for their benefit). Ask for a schedule of condition of your property before work starts. Ask whether security for expenses is appropriate for the job. Review the draft award. Check the work described, working hours, access and who pays. Note the 14-day window to appeal an award to the county court, and get advice quickly if you want to. Keep copies of every notice, letter and photograph. After the work, report any damage promptly to your surveyor and the building owner.

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. Tools produce drafts to help you. Have important documents checked by a party wall surveyor or solicitor.

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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. Directory listings come from public sources, may be out of date, and are not recommendations.