What You Need to Know About Changing a Party Wall
If you share a wall with a neighbouring property, making changes to that party wall isn’t as simple as just doing the alterations. You need to work with your neighbours in order to make it all work and to stay within the law.
What Is a Party Wall?
Party walls are walls that are built on the property or two or more people, but they don’t necessarily have to be in a building. Even a garden wall can be considered a party wall. This doesn’t include wooden fences, however.
Permitted Changes to Party Walls
If you are merely making small changes to the wall, you don’t need to worry about informing anyone. For example, if you are painting your side of the wall or replacing an electrical socket, this is not something you need to inform anyone of. You can also plaster or put up shelves, etc. without worry.
When to Inform Your Neighbours
There are three times you would need to inform your neighbour of the work you intend to do. These are:
1. You plan to build along the boundary of the properties.
2. You wish to conduct major work on a party wall that is already built.
3. You intend to dig close to or under the foundation level of their side of the property.
If there is an existing party wall and you want to do something like replace it, cut through it, or make other major adjustments, you’ll definitely need to inform those who share the wall with you.
In most cases, the other owner cannot actually stop you from making changes on your side of the shared wall, but if you don’t give them notice of the work, they can seek a court injunction to stop you.
To inform the adjoining owner, you need to write out a notice. You can always talk to them first, but you need to have the project in writing in order to prevent issues. Be sure to include your full name and address, as well as the address of the structure that is being altered, as well as a specific description of what your plans are for the structure. You should also include a start date and a notice that this is under the Party Wall Act. You should provide this notice at least two months ahead of the work planned.
There are many small issues to deal with when working on a party wall. It’s possible the adjoining owner will not give their consent, which means you need to initiate a dispute resolution. They may also request that you only work at certain times, or may have other stipulations.
If you’re not sure about working on a party wall or how to go about informing your neighbours, it’s time to call in an expert. Contact Simon Levy for help with your party wall issues.
