Party Wall etc. Act 1996 covers works close to the boundary between two properties. It allows owners to carry out works to party walls and build a party wall close to the boundary. It also imposes obligations on owners to repair damage and can allow access over the land in some circumstances.
Philip Lea MRICS AaPS has been acting as a party wall surveyor since the introduction of the Act and has extensive experience resolving disputes of building owners. If you are planning to build an extension close to the boundary, you need to check whether you are affected by the Act. You may need to serve notice on your neighbours and these must be in the correct form.
If you have problems with damp or other defects on a party wall, the Act may be used to resolve the issues. Any works to the party wall such as inserting beams or removing plaster can fall under the Act. If your neighbour is intending to carry out works, has served notice on you or is unaware of his obligations under the Act.
Please call us today and we can offer some initial advice without obligation.