What to do if your neighbour is working on a party wall without serving notice
Practical steps if notifiable work starts next door without notice.
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In short
Ask your neighbour, politely and in writing, to stop and serve notice. Take dated photographs. If work continues and your property is at risk, take advice quickly: courts can grant injunctions to stop work carried out in breach of the Act.
Step by step
- Speak to your neighbour or their builder
- Write to them referring to the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
- Record the condition of your property with dated photos
- Contact a party wall surveyor
- Get legal advice if the work continues
Why it matters
Without notice there's no schedule of condition and no agreed protection. If damage happens later, it's harder to show what was caused by the work. Acting early keeps your options open.
Often it's a mistake, not malice
Many owners and even builders don't know about the Act. A calm, early conversation usually gets notice served and work back on track quickly.
See party wall disputes.
Common questions
Can I get the work stopped?
If notifiable work is carried out without notice, a court can grant an injunction. Get legal advice before going down this route.
Source: Party Wall etc. Act 1996 (applies in England and Wales).
Written by Guy Crouch BSc (Hons) MRICS, Director and Chartered Building Surveyor at Manchester Party Wall Surveyors. Last reviewed 26 October 2026. This page is general guidance, not legal advice. About our team
Planning work near a neighbour?
Speak to a chartered surveyor before you start, not after.