How Well Do You Know the Party Wall etc

• The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies throughout England and Wales.
• It aims to prevent and resolve disputes in relation to party walls, boundary walls, and excavations near neighboring buildings.
• It balances the interests of both Building Owners and Adjoining Owners and Occupiers.
• It regulates the exercise of certain common law rights and allows the Building Owner to override the strict common law rights of Adjoining Owners in certain cases.
• A party wall divides the buildings of two owners with the boundary between ownerships usually positioned at the center of the wall.
• There are two types of party walls: Type A and Type B.
• Work to existing party walls, boundary walls, and party fence walls is covered by the Act.
• Notices must be served before commencing certain types of work, including Party Structure Notice, Notice of Adjacent Excavation, and Line of Junction Notice.
• The Building Owner must give a notice period of two months for Party Structure Notice and one month for Notice of Adjacent Excavation and Line of Junction Notice.
• Adjoining owners have 14 days to respond to the notice before they are deemed to be "in dispute" and obliged to appoint a Party Wall Surveyor.
• The Party Wall etc Act 1996 regulates building work that affects shared walls or structures.
• When a notice is issued, an adjoining owner has 14 days to respond and can choose to consent or dissent.
• If they dissent, they can appoint their own surveyor or agree to an impartial surveyor.
• A party wall award is a legal document that authorizes building work while safeguarding adjoining owners' property.
• The award includes relevant drawings, method statements, schedules of condition, and working conditions.
• Adjoining owner's surveyor's fees are usually inserted as a lump sum in the award.
• The award is legally binding and can be appealed within 14 days.
• If work starts without notice, the adjoining owner can apply for an injunction to cease work.
• Appointments of surveyors arise from disputes between owners, and a third surveyor can be selected if needed.
• Surveyors must identify the parties on whom notice needs to be served, which can be done through the Land Registry or by asking building occupants.

1. Building owners must keep copies and photos of notices attached to buildings for their own protection.
2. Notices can be served in person or by post.
3. Compensation must be paid for any loss or damage caused by work executed under the Party Wall Act.
4. Security for expenses can be requested by the adjoining owner up until the building owner's work commences.
5. Disputes may arise due to improper service of notices, disputes following the proper service of a notice, or challenges to an award.
6. Building owners may be at risk of legal action if the Act is not properly engaged.
7. Parties may appeal against an award to the County Court.
8. The RICS provides guidance on the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
9. The guidance note offers advice to surveyors in the early stages of party wall procedure.
10. Example notices are provided.

Test your knowledge of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 with this informative quiz! From understanding the different types of party walls and notices required to knowing the rights and responsibilities of both Building Owners and Adjoining Owners, this quiz covers it all. Whether you're a homeowner, builder, or surveyor, this quiz will challenge your understanding of the Act and ensure you're up to speed on the latest regulations. So, put your knowledge to the test and see how well you know the Party