What happens if I disagree with a party wall agreement?

If you disagree with a party wall agreement, there are formal procedures in place to resolve the issue under the Party Wall Act 1996. The first step is usually to appoint a party wall surveyor if one hasn’t already been assigned. You can either agree on a single impartial surveyor with your neighbour or each appoint your own surveyor.

The surveyor(s) will assess the dispute impartially and prepare a Party Wall Award, which sets out the terms of the work, any necessary protections, and how the work should proceed. If you or your neighbour are unhappy with the surveyor’s decision, there’s an option to appeal the Party Wall Award in the county court, though this must be done within 14 days of receiving the award.

It’s important to note that while you can dispute certain aspects of the agreement, such as the timing or method of construction, you cannot stop the work from happening entirely if it complies with the law.

The Party Wall Act is designed to protect both parties fairly, ensuring that necessary work can go ahead while minimising risks and disturbances. If you go to court, keep in mind that legal proceedings can be costly and time-consuming, so it’s often in everyone’s best interest to work with the surveyors to reach an agreement that works for both sides.