The Party Wall Act: rights and responsibilities for homeowners

Building owner's rights

• Carry out notifiable work after notice and, where needed, an award
• Access the neighbour's land when needed for the work, on 14 days' notice (except in an emergency)
• Place projecting footings under the neighbour's land for a new wall on the boundary, where necessary

Building owner's responsibilities

• Serve valid notices in time
• Avoid causing unnecessary inconvenience
• Make good or compensate for damage
• Normally pay surveyors' costs
• Provide temporary protection where the work exposes the neighbour's property

Adjoining owner's rights

• Respond to notices and appoint a surveyor
• Serve a counter notice asking for extra work for their own benefit
• Ask for security for expenses in some cases
• Claim compensation for loss or damage caused by the work
• Appeal an award to the county court within 14 days

Both owners

Every surveyor appointed under the Act must act impartially. The award binds both owners, so it's worth reading carefully and asking questions before work starts.

Common questions

Can my neighbour stop my extension?

No. The Act doesn't give a veto over notifiable work. It controls how the work is done and protects the neighbour's property.

Source: Party Wall etc. Act 1996 (applies in England and Wales).