Party Wall Agreement for Garden Wall

Party Wall Agreement for Garden Wall: What You Need to Know

If you are planning to build a garden wall that is close to your neighbor`s property, you may need to enter into a party wall agreement. A party wall agreement is a legal document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of property owners in relation to shared walls, fences, and boundaries.

In this article, we will explore the key aspects of a party wall agreement for a garden wall, including when it is required, what it involves, and how to go about obtaining one.

When is a party wall agreement required?

A party wall agreement is required when a property owner intends to carry out certain types of building work that may affect the party wall or structure shared with a neighboring property. This can include building a garden wall, excavating near a party wall, or carrying out structural alterations to a party wall.

Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, property owners who plan to carry out such work must notify their neighbors in writing at least two months before the work starts. If the neighbors agree to the proposed work, they can either provide written consent or appoint a party wall surveyor to act on their behalf.

What does a party wall agreement involve?

A party wall agreement typically includes details such as:

- The names of the property owners involved

- A description of the proposed work

- The start date of the work

- A plan showing the location of the party wall

- A schedule of condition, which is a record of the current condition of the party wall

- Details of any safeguards to be put in place to protect the neighboring property

- A method statement outlining how the work will be carried out

- Details of the surveyor(s) appointed by each property owner

The party wall agreement must be signed by both property owners and their appointed surveyors, if applicable.

How do I obtain a party wall agreement?

If you are planning to build a garden wall that is close to a party wall, it is important to first check whether you need a party wall agreement. You can do this by speaking to your neighbors or consulting a party wall surveyor.

If a party wall agreement is required, you should notify your neighbors in writing at least two months before the work starts. You should provide a detailed description of the proposed work and include a plan showing the location of the party wall.

Your neighbors can either provide written consent or appoint a party wall surveyor to act on their behalf. If they appoint a surveyor, you should also appoint a surveyor to ensure that the agreement is fair and reasonable.

In conclusion, a party wall agreement is a legal requirement if you are planning to build a garden wall that is close to a neighboring property. It is important to understand your rights and responsibilities when it comes to shared walls and boundaries, and to obtain the correct legal documentation to protect yourself and your neighbors. By following the correct procedures, homeowners can ensure that their building work is carried out safely and with minimal disruption to their neighbors.