What Happens When Your Neighbour Ignores Your Party Wall Notice? Party Wall Solutions
If you are planning any construction work that affects the party wall between your property and your neighbour’s, you are required by law to serve them with a Party Wall Notice. This legal document notifies them of your intentions and gives them the opportunity to either agree or disagree with the proposed work.
But what happens if your neighbour ignores the Party Wall Notice? In this article, we will explore the consequences of such an action and the steps you can take to protect your interests.
Understanding the Party Wall Act
The Party Wall Act 1996 is a law designed to protect the interests of both property owners during construction work. It sets out the procedures for serving Party Wall Notices, resolving disputes and determining compensation. Under the Act, if you are planning any work that affects the party wall or boundary, you must serve your neighbour with a Party Wall Notice at least two months before the work commences.
At Party Wall Solutions, we specialise in providing expert advice on all aspects of the Party Wall Act. Contact Party Wall Solutions today to learn more about how we can help you protect your interests and comply with the law.
What Happens If Your Neighbour Ignores The Party Wall Notice?
If your neighbour ignores your Party Wall Notice, it does not necessarily mean that they are objecting to the proposed work. However, their lack of response could result in delays and potentially legal issues down the line.
Here are some possible scenarios that may occur:
Your neighbour may respond to the Party Wall Notice after the two-month period has expired. However, this could result in delays to the start of the work.
If your neighbour does not respond to the Party Wall Notice, you can appoint a surveyor to act on their behalf. This can result in additional costs that your neighbour may be required to pay.
If your neighbour disagrees with the proposed work, they may serve you with a counter-notice. This will outline their objections and give you the opportunity to either accept or dispute their claims.
If your neighbour still does not respond to the Party Wall Notice, they are deemed to have dissented. This means that a dispute resolution procedure must be followed to determine a way forward.
What To Do If Your Neighbour Ignores The Party Wall Notice? Party Wall Solutions
If your neighbour ignores the Party Wall Notice, it is important to take steps to protect your interests. Here are some recommended steps:
Send a follow-up letter reminding your neighbour of their obligations under the Party Wall Act.
Consider appointing a surveyor to act on your behalf.
Seek legal advice from a qualified solicitor.
Consider alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation.
Serving a Party Wall Notice is a legal requirement that must be followed if you are planning any construction work that affects the party wall or boundary. If your neighbour ignores the notice, it could result in delays, additional costs and legal issues. However, by taking the appropriate steps, you can protect your interests and ensure that the construction work proceeds as planned.
At Party Wall Solutions, we specialise in providing expert advice on all aspects of the Party Wall Act. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you protect your interests and comply with the law.
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