Party Wall Agreements: Things to Know Before Renovating

Whether you're planning a loft conversion, building an extension, or renovating your basement, if your property shares a wall or boundary with a neighbour, chances are you'll need a Party Wall Agreement. This important document protects the interest of both property owners and prevents disputes, as well as ensuring that building work is carried out legally and safely.

In London it is common for houses to share walls between them. This is an example of when you would need a party wall agreement.

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What is a Party Wall Agreement?

A Party Wall is a wall shared by two or more property owners. It can be part of a building, or separate, for example, a garden wall - though wooden fences do not count. You can also have 'Party Structures', such as a floor which separates two flats.

A Party Wall agreement is a legally binding document that outlines the terms for building work affecting a shared wall, boundary, or structure between two or more properties, and includes:

• Details of the specific work which will be carried out.

• The timeline of the project.

• How it will be carried out, for example, working hours and access to the wall.

• Safeguards to protect both properties.

A Party Wall Surveyor can be appointed to help prevent or resolve any disputes between the building owner and the adjoining owner, or to oversee the work.

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Work you must tell your neighbour about:

If you are planning to build on or at the boundary of your property and your neighbours' property, you must let them know. You also need to tell them if you're planning work on an existing Party Wall/Structure or want to dig below and near the foundation level of their property.

For Example:

• Making a party wall taller, shorter, or deeper.

• Building a new wall.

• Cutting into a party wall, or knocking down and rebuilding it.

• Removing chimneys from a party wall.

• Loft conversions involving steel beams on a shared wall.

• Building a rear or side extension

You do not need to tell your neighbours about minor changes such as plastering or drilling to put up shelves.

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How and When to Tell them?

You must give them at least 2 months notice before starting any work. You can speak to your neighbour first to explain the work; however, remember that any agreement you reach should always be recorded in writing.

Once you've sent the notice letter, your neighbour can either give consent in writing or refuse consent, which will start a dispute resolution process. This is when you can appoint a party wall surveyor, who will help resolve any conflict.

It is important to note that when carrying out any works, you must:

• Protect your neighbour's property from damage, and fix or pay for any damage caused by the work.

• Avoid being the cause of unnecesary inconvenience to your neighbour.

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FINAL THOUGHTS:

Party Wall Agreements may seem like a hurdle, but they're designed to ensure fairness and prevent disputes. Not only is it illegal to carry out work on a shared boundary without the consent of the other property owner(s), but a party wall agreement can also save you issues down the line by recording the state of the neighbour's property before the works are carried out, avoiding having to deal with disputes over accidental damage.