Party Wall Notices: A Complete Homeowner Guide
A valid notice identifies the owners, property, proposed work and the relevant provisions of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
Section 1
New walls at the line of junction.
Section 3
Work to an existing party structure.
Section 6
Qualifying excavation close to neighbouring buildings.
Serving notice correctly
Ownership should be checked, the proposed work described accurately and the correct statutory period allowed. Supporting plans are particularly important for excavation and structural work. A notice is not the same as planning permission or a neighbourly courtesy letter.
Responses
An Adjoining Owner may consent, dissent, or fail to respond. Silence can lead to a deemed dispute after the statutory period.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notice valid?
Work should normally begin within twelve months after service.
Can notice be served by email?
Only where the statutory requirements for electronic service are met.
What if the notice is wrong?
An invalid notice can delay the project and require the process to start again.
Need Party Wall Advice?
Send the plans or notice for practical guidance from PWS Southend.