Regulations on party walls

In England and Wales work carried out on a part of your property which adjoins your neighbours, must comply with the Party Wall Act 1996.

  • A party wall is any wall on the boundary line of two or more properties and includes garden walls as well as the walls of buildings
  • If you're carrying out work that will affect the structural strength or support function of the party wall or might cause damage to the neighbouring side of the wall you must officially (normally in writing) notify your affected neighbour.
  • You must serve the notice at least two months before the intended start date of the work, giving details of the work to be carried out.
  • No work may start until all neighbouring parties have agreed in writing to the notice.
  • Normally the current state of neighbouring properties is recorded and inspected again for any damage when the work has been completed. You are responsible for making good any damage caused by your work.
  • If you're in any doubt about any of the above, seek advice from your building control office, a party wall surveyor or an architect.

For more information, you can call the Planning Inspectorate on 0870 1226 236 for your free booklet on party walls.


Source: planningportal.gov.uk

The information contained within this article is strictly for guidance only. Rated People recommends that you always check current sources of information in case regulations have changed. Rated People cannot accept any liability for miscommunication of the law in the case of a change in regulation or any action done to a property based on the information held in this article. Rated People © 2011.