Faulkners Surveyors Shirley

If you’re planning to undertake construction work on a shared boundary with your neighbour, you might need a party wall agreement.

It’s a legal document that outlines the responsibilities and rights of both parties involved in the construction process.

Adjoining Owner Not Responding to Party Wall Notice? Here's What You Can Do

If you are planning on undertaking construction work that could potentially affect your neighbour’s property in Shirley, you are required to serve a Party Wall Notice to the adjoining owner. Upon receiving the notice, the adjoining owner has 14 days to respond. But what happens if the adjoining owner in Shirley does not reply to your Party Wall Notice within the 14-day period? In this article, we will explore your options if the adjoining owner does not respond to your Party Wall Notice and what you can do to proceed with your construction work.

Understanding the Party Wall Notice

A Party Wall Notice is a legal document that informs the adjoining owner of the proposed construction work and how it may affect their property. The adjoining owner has a period of 14 days to respond to the notice. If they do not respond within the 14-day period, they are deemed to have dissented, and a dispute is created.

Options Available to You

If the adjoining owner does not reply to your Party Wall Notice within 14 days, you have several options:

Send a Reminder

You can send a reminder to the adjoining owner, requesting them to respond to the Party Wall Notice. This may be sufficient to prompt a response.

Appoint a Surveyor

If the adjoining owner still does not respond, you can appoint a Party Wall Surveyor on their behalf. The surveyor will act as an impartial party and ensure that their interests are protected.

Proceed with the Construction Work

If the adjoining owner does not respond to the Party Wall Notice or appoint a surveyor within 14 days, you can proceed with the construction work. However, it is important to note that you may still be liable for any damage caused to their property.

Advantages of Waiting for a Response to Your Party Wall Notice

While it may be tempting to proceed with the construction work if the adjoining owner does not respond to the Party Wall Notice, there are several advantages to waiting for a response:

Avoiding Disputes

By waiting for a response to your Party Wall Notice, you can avoid disputes and misunderstandings with the adjoining owner.

Protecting Your Interests

Waiting for a response to your Party Wall Notice can protect your interests and ensure that any damage caused by your construction work is properly addressed.

Compliance with the Law

By following the legal requirements of serving a Party Wall Notice and waiting for a response, you are complying with the law and avoiding any potential legal action.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if the adjoining owner does not respond to your Party Wall Notice within 14 days, you have several options available to you. You can send a reminder, appoint a surveyor on their behalf, or proceed with the construction work. However, it is crucial to wait for a response to protect your interests and avoid any potential disputes or legal action. At Faulkners, located in Shirley, our experienced Party Wall Surveyors in Shirley can assist you in serving Party Wall Notices, resolving disputes, and protecting your interests during construction work.