Party Walls: Managing Shared Walls in Your Property

You may have heard the term ‘party wall’ referred to, as a homeowner, yet you might not know what it means. In this article from Simon Levy, we’ll define what a party wall is and cover the specific obligations that apply to you if you are subject to a party wall on your property, helping you to avoid and resolve any disputes between you and your fellow building owners. Read on to find out more.

What are party walls?

On some properties, you may share a wall with your neighbour. Whether a fence or a brick wall, it’s important to respectfully care for this shared structure. The wall itself is known as a party wall, as it is shared by multiple people. Party wall matters, therefore, refer to any disputes or problems between the neighbours regarding this shared wall.

Party Wall etc Act 1996

This act came into effect on 1st July 1997, applying throughout England and Wales. It is designed to help those who share a wall between properties to resolve disputes regarding their party wall. The Act lists various work you are allowed to carry out on your party wall, which includes permission to repair your shared wall or demolish and rebuild a party wall if it is structurally defective. It also includes your rights as a shared owner of a wall.

Your Responsibilities

Section 2 of the Party Wall etc Act 1996 states that adequate notice must be given before any work is carried out on the wall. Therefore, if you’re planning on carrying out any particular work on your party wall, you must inform your neighbours of your intention beforehand.

Similarly, if your neighbour wants to carry out construction work on your shared wall they are legally obligated to inform you before the work begins. While the construction is carried out, your neighbour should not cause any unnecessary inconvenience to you. 

If you’re subject to sharing a party wall, you must not do anything major to the wall without letting your neighbour know. However, minor adjustments are often deemed unnecessary to inform your neighbour of, including drilling in nails for shelving or replastering the wall, depending on the severity of the work. If you feel unsure, it may be best to seek professional property advice from chartered building surveyors.

Our Services at Simon Levy

If you’re planning on alterations to a shared wall, it can be helpful to seek out party wall services beforehand. Luckily, at Simon Levy, we can provide you with high-quality legal advice on carrying work out on a party wall. Similarly, if you’re struggling with disturbances and disregard carried out by your neighbour to your co-owned wall, we can help you understand your rights.

Please visit our website to find out more about us and to meet our team. For further property advice and support, please contact us directly today.