Responding to a Party Wall Notice
Expert Party Wall Surveyors in London, Essex & Suffolk
If you’ve received a party wall notice, it means your neighbour plans to carry out work that could affect the shared wall or boundary between your properties.
Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you have 14 days to respond in writing. It’s important to understand your rights and options before the deadline passes.
At Robert Turner Associates, we are trusted party wall surveyors operating throughout Essex, London, and Suffolk, here to guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.
Get Help Responding to a Party Wall Notice
Have you received a Party Wall Notice from a neighbour planning building works near your shared boundary?
Don’t worry – you’re in the right place. Get expert advice and guidance from the Robert Turner Associates team, who will ensure that your party wall notice is responded to within the set deadline.
Complete our quick and easy form below, and get accurate and fast acting advice from party wall experts.
FAQs
What is a party wall notice?
A party wall notice is a formal document served by a neighbour who plans to carry out construction work that could affect a shared wall, boundary, or nearby structure. It is required under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 to give adjoining owners an opportunity to respond.
How long do I have to respond to a party wall notice?
You have 14 calendar days from the date the notice is served to respond in writing. If you fail to respond within that period, it is treated as a dissent under the law. In the event you do not respond within the 14 days, you should be written to again providing you with a further 10 calendar days to make a final decision. Following this extended period, and in the absence of a response by you, the Act allows a surveyor to be appointed on your behalf by your neighbour.
What are my options when I receive a party wall notice?
- Consent: If you are satisfied with the proposed works, you can give your written consent. In this case, no formal agreement is needed, and work can proceed without a surveyor.
- Dissent and Appoint a Surveyor: If you have concerns about the work or want a legally binding agreement, you can dissent and appoint a party wall surveyor. You and your neighbour can each appoint your own surveyors, or agree on a single joint surveyor.
- Do Nothing: If you do not respond within 14 days, this is legally considered a dissent. A surveyor will then be appointed on your behalf.
Why does the 14-day party wall notice timeline matter?
The 14-day response window is legally binding. Failing to respond in time can delay your neighbour’s building plans and remove your chance to negotiate key details. It can also result in surveyor appointments being made without your input – and can potentially increase costs.
Can I stop the work by dissenting?
No. Dissenting doesn’t block the work – it starts a formal resolution process where one or more surveyors agree on how and when the work can be carried out, and what protections are needed for both parties.
Do I need to appoint my own surveyor?
You can either appoint your own surveyor or agree to use the same one as your neighbour (known as an Agreed Surveyor). In either case, the surveyor’s duty is to act impartially and protect both parties’ interests.
Do I need legal advice?
Legal advice isn’t usually required. A qualified party wall surveyor, like those within the Robert Turner Associates team, can guide you through the notice and ensure everything is handled in accordance with the Party Wall Act.
How Can Robert Turner Associates help me respond to a party wall notice?
With years of experience responding to party wall notices and providing expert guidance for a range of party wall matters for clients across London, Essex and Suffolk, the Robert Turner Associates team is on hand to help you. We can help provide:
- Expert guidance on responding to a party wall notice
- Clear explanations of your rights and responsibilities
- Drafting formal consent or dissent notices
- Surveyor appointments and negotiations
- Protection of your property and legal interests
