Notices

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 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'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 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 Me and my partner live in and own a flat as a leaseholder. I am on the top floor of a 2 floor building with 2 floors. The freehold was put up for sale in November with approved planning permission to add 2 flats above us in the roof space. This will involve changing and making the roof larger to accommodate. I have never been consulted ... Read more >>

Question The fence between mine and my neighbour's garden is in very poor condition with parts of it having broken away completely. Now my neighbour is planning to build a rear extension and has sent me a notice. If I appoint a surveyor will they mark out the boundary so that there's no confusion? Answer I need to make a distinction between ... Read more >>

Question We have produced some basic layouts for the client and they have found a builder themselves to do the works. The property is a flat in the semi- detached house. The flat is at the ground floor with the neighbours living at the first and second floors. The contractor has raised an opening to an internal wall slightly higher than the ... Read more >>

Question Our neighbours' furniture is being moved out piece by piece, which suggests they are moving out ahead of work starting to their property rather than holidaying somewhere. However, we have had no official notification. We're due to go away ourselves in a few days and are worried that the party wall notice might arrive while we are on ... Read more >>

Question We are planning to serve notices on the adjoining owners.  However, on the Land registry website the recorded owner of the property has passed away and detail of ownership has not been updated.  Who should we address and send the appropriate notices to?  Who will therefore act on the adjoining owner's behalf in order to respond to the ... Read more >>