The Party Wall Act 1996
Information on the Act
The Party Wall Act 1996 provides a framework for preventing and resolving disputes in relation to party walls, boundary walls and excavations near neighbouring buildings.
It is based on some tried and tested provisions of the London Building Acts, which applied in Inner London for many decades before the Act came into force.
Anyone intending to carry out work (anywhere in England and Wales) of the kinds described in the Act must give adjoining owners notice of their intentions.
Where the intended work is to an existing party wall a notice must be given even where the work will not extend beyond the centre line of a party wall.
It is often helpful in understanding the principles of the Act if owners consider themselves joint owners of the whole of a party wall rather than the sole owner of half or part of it.
Ideally, adjoining owners can agree with the proposed work or alternatively, all parties can reach agreement on changes on the way that the works are to be carried out, including the timing.
Where there is no written consent or agreement, the Act provides for the resolution of disputes
For further information, including an explanatory booklet, visit the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Page last updated: 10/02/2009
