Adjoining Owners

Question My neighbour is constructing a fence in addition to and fixed to our (and the neighbours) party wall. Could you please clarify what they can and can’t do? I’m of the understanding that there are specific rules detailing what is permissible by law. Could you please clarify our position and what provision can be made regarding ... Read more >>

Question I recently started reducing the ground level on a site in preparation for piling and found that the foundations to the neighbouring building project on to the site by between 200 and 300mm. As the adjoining owner should not have built onto my land, are they responsible for our costs and delays? Answer There is a right to project ... Read more >>

Question What should happen after the structural engineer has completed their plan for the remedial work? I have agreed to the work via the party wall surveyor (I am the adjoining owner) but it's all gone quiet for two months! These roof repairs really need doing, but I'm not sure whether the neighbour will proceed with it. Can I enforce the ... Read more >>

Question I’m a leaseholder in a residential flat above a commercial unit. For most of the time that I’ve lived here, the commercial unit has been occupied. The freeholder has recently started the process of splitting the unit below into two. My initial question relates to operation of The Party Wall etc Act 1996 and party structure ... Read more >>

Question We have recently purchased a house and are planning a small extension. The neighbour has an extractor fan venting from his extension into our yard which we don't think is allowable? We are not sure if his extension is actually on/over our boundary. Would you be able to look into this for us please and to then communicate with ... Read more >>

Question We're planning a basement extension and will need to notify the owners of the property next door. It is split in to 3 flats but the freehold is jointly owned by the 3 leaseholders. Do we notify the freehold company, the 3 leaseholders or both? Answer The starting point is the definition of an owner and that is confirmed in ... Read more >>

Question I am in dispute at the moment with my Surveyor and the building owners Surveyor over final inspection costs.  The building owners Surveyor referenced a Counsels opinion and stated there was no requirement for a final inspection allowance to check the works as the works were deep excavation including a demolition of ... Read more >>

Question My neighbour's back garden is approx. 5ft higher than mine and there is a wall at the boundary. Part of the wall is leaning towards my garden and there are several large cracks. I've spoken to my neighbour about repairing it but they don't want to know. Answer The first step is to review the property’s deeds in case they ... Read more >>

Question Our neighbour started a building project, a loft conversion and rear extension, but work stopped six months ago and the site has been idle since. The scaffolding remains up and does protrudes over the boundary into our property. When we renovated our house we installed a satellite dish for television. We have not been able to use it ... Read more >>

Question My neighbour will be starting work on a side return extension shortly and I am concerned about the water drainage and the build over of any pipe work. I understand that this is a separate agreement and part of the building control works. Is there anyway we can request/caveat that we want to see approved documentation for these ... Read more >>