If you are planning to carry out building work on a property that shares a boundary with your neighbour`s property, you may need to sign a party wall agreement.
What is a party wall agreement?
A party wall agreement is a legal document that sets out the rights and responsibilities of both you and your neighbour when carrying out building work that affects a shared wall or boundary.
Why is it important to sign a party wall agreement?
Signing a party wall agreement is important to avoid potential disputes, as it sets out clear guidelines for how the building work will be carried out, who will be responsible for the costs of the work, and how any damage or issues will be resolved.
What types of building work require a party wall agreement?
Building work that may require a party wall agreement includes:
– Building a new wall on or along a shared boundary
– Cutting into or altering an existing party wall
– Demolishing or rebuilding a party wall
– Excavating within specified distances of a party wall
How do you get a party wall agreement?
You will need to serve a party wall notice on your neighbour, which outlines the proposed work and provides them with the opportunity to dissent or agree to the work. If your neighbour agrees to the work, you can proceed with signing a party wall agreement. If your neighbour dissents, a dispute resolution process will need to be followed.
Who can sign a party wall agreement?
Party wall agreements must be signed by both you and your neighbour, or by your respective surveyors.
What happens if you don`t sign a party wall agreement?
If you carry out building work that requires a party wall agreement without obtaining one, you could be subject to legal action by your neighbour. This could result in a court order requiring you to rectify any damage caused or to pay compensation to your neighbour.
In conclusion, signing a party wall agreement is a crucial step to ensure that building work on a shared boundary is carried out smoothly and with clear guidelines. Failure to obtain a party wall agreement can have serious legal consequences, so it is important to follow the correct procedures and obtain the necessary agreements.