Who Is Responsible for Party Wall Agreement

When it comes to property ownership, it’s essential to understand the legalities surrounding boundary walls between two properties. A party wall agreement, also known as a Party Wall Award, is a legal document that outlines the rights and obligations of two or more property owners when it comes to a shared boundary wall. But who is responsible for the party wall agreement?

In most cases, the party wall agreement is the responsibility of both property owners. This includes the cost of hiring a party wall surveyor to draw up the agreement and assess any potential damage to the wall. However, the party wall agreement only applies to walls that are shared between two or more properties, not walls that are entirely within one property’s boundaries.

In the UK, there are specific regulations surrounding party wall agreements that property owners must adhere to. These regulations are outlined in the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, which states that property owners must serve notice to their neighbours at least two months before any work is carried out on a shared wall. The notice must include the proposed work, the start date, and the name and contact details of the party wall surveyor appointed to draw up the agreement.

If the neighbouring property owner objects to the proposed work, they have 14 days to respond to the notice. If they do not respond within this time frame, they are deemed to have dissented from the proposals and must appoint their party wall surveyor to draw up the agreement.

It’s important to note that property owners are responsible for ensuring that any work carried out on a shared wall does not cause damage to the neighbouring property. Any damage caused must be rectified by the property owner carrying out the work, and compensation may be payable if the damage is significant.

In summary, both property owners are responsible for the party wall agreement, including appointing a party wall surveyor and paying for the agreement to be drawn up. Property owners must also adhere to the regulations outlined in the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 to ensure that the agreement is valid and legally binding.