Receiving a Party Wall Notice Reading can be confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
At Jason Edworthy, your local Party Wall Surveyors provider, we help homeowners and property owners understand what the notice means, what their rights are, and how to respond correctly.
If you just got a Party Wall Notice, don’t feel scared, but don’t forget about it.
This notice means your neighbour wants to do building work. It may change a wall that you both share, a line that separates your land, or something close to your home.
The law called the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 says they have to tell you before they start some kinds of work.
At Jason Edworthy, we are your local Party Wall Surveyors. We are here to help you know what the notice says, what you need to do next, and the best way to keep your property safe.
What Does the Notice Cover?
Party Wall Notices are often given for works like:
Building or changing a wall that is at the boundary
Digging close to your home’s foundations (at 3 or 6 metres away)
Changing or cutting into a wall that you share with someone else
Loft conversions or extensions that need structural changes
Getting a notice lets you look at the planned work and speak up if you have any worries before it starts.
Why You Should Act Now
You have 14 days to respond. If you don’t, it’s considered a dispute under the Act, and surveyors will be appointed—potentially leading to extra costs and delays.
Acting early means you stay in control and avoid unnecessary issues.
Receiving a Party Wall Notice Reading means your neighbour plans to carry out work that may affect your property.
While this is a legal requirement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, it’s also your opportunity to take steps that safeguard your home.
Here’s how you can protect your property:
1. Understand the Notice Fully
Don’t sign anything untilyou’ve had the notice explained to you. We’ll walk you through exactly what it means, what type of work is being proposed, and how it could impact your home.
2. Appoint a Qualified Party Wall Surveyor
If you’re unsure or have concerns, you have the legal right to appoint your own surveyor. Jason Edworthy will act solely in your interest—ensuring the works are safe, compliant, and that your property is protected at every stage.
3. Request a Schedule of Condition
Before any work begins, we can carry out a detailed photographic and written report of your property’s current state. This serves as vital evidence if damage occurs later, and ensures you’re not held responsible for pre-existing issues.
4. Don’t Ignore the Notice
You have 14 days to respond. If you don’t, it may automatically trigger a dispute and result in surveyors being appointed on your behalf—possibly at your expense. Taking action early gives you more control.
5. Maintain Communication with Your Neighbour
A respectful, professional approach helps maintain good relations. With Jason Edworthy managing communications on your behalf, we keep things calm, clear, and constructive.
When you receive a Party Wall Notice Reading from your neighbour, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 gives you 14 calendar days to respond. This is a crucial timeframe that ensures both parties communicate clearly and the building works can proceed lawfully.
What should you do within these 14 days?
You need to either:
Give your consent
Agree to the proposed works so they can start without delay. Even if you consent, it’s wise to ask for a Schedule of Condition report to protect your property in case of future damage.
Dissent and appoint a surveyor
If you have concerns or want to safeguard your property, you can dissent. This means you do not agree outright, and you’ll need to appoint a Party Wall Surveyor who will act on your behalf.
Agree to a joint surveyor
Sometimes, both parties agree to appoint a single ‘Agreed Surveyor’ to handle the process efficiently and reduce costs.
What happens if you don’t respond?
If you ignore the notice or fail to respond within 14 days, the law treats this as a formal dispute. This automatically triggers the appointment of surveyors (either one or two) to produce a Party Wall Award — a legally binding document that governs the works.
This dispute process can lead to:
Delays in your neighbour’s construction project
Additional costs that might be shared between you and your neighbour
Less control over how the work is carried out
When your neighbour gives you a Party Wall Notice, it’s normal to worry that there could be damage to your property during the work they plan to do.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 gives you important rights. These rights help to protect your home. They also make sure the work is done in a fair and safe way.
1. Right to Object (Dissent): You can say no to the Party Wall Notice if you think the work may hurt your place.
2. Appoint Your Own Expert: You can hire an independent Party Wall Surveyor to look out for your interests. This helps to keep your property safe and makes sure that all work gets done the right way.
3. Schedule of Condition: Before the work starts, your surveyor will keep a record and take photos of your property as it is now. This helps show the real condition of your place if there is any damage after the work is done.
4. Party Wall Award: If there’s a problem, surveyors create a legal paper. This paper shows how the work will go on and what to do if there is any damage.
At Jason Edworthy, we are your local Party Wall Surveyors provider. We help you with this process so your property can stay safe. We also work to make sure your rights be fully protected.
