Party Wall etc. Act 1996 specialists · London & the Midlands Free advice · info@coburnspartywall.co.uk · 0207 11 88 3 55
Coburns Party Wall — Supporting Neighbourly Relations
When a neighbour ignores the Act

Neighbour ignoring the Party Wall Act?

We often handle cases where neighbours start construction without following the required procedures — so we’re ideally placed to advise. Here’s what to do.

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Act early

  • Protect your property
  • Reduce risk
  • Get clear advice

What to do when a neighbour ignores the Act.

When the Act may apply

Notifiable work

Changes to party structures

Shared walls between terraced or semi-detached houses, and some shared boundary walls.

Excavations

Within 3 metres of and below your foundations.

New walls

Constructed up to or across boundary lines.

Steps to take

Different scenarios

1 Work about to start

  • Notice usually needs to be served 1–2 months before work starts.
  • Speak to your neighbour immediately — they may be unaware of their obligations.
  • If they are not engaging, document your property’s condition.
  • Consider asking a surveyor to send a letter encouraging service of notice.

2 Started but incomplete

  • There is no automatic penalty for failing to serve notice.
  • If risk is significant, you may consider a court injunction to halt the work.
  • Notice can still be served for any remaining work.
  • A surveyor’s letter can often prompt compliance.

3 Work complete

  • Stopping completed work is impractical.
  • Action now is usually about damage rather than stopping the work.
  • Your neighbour remains responsible for damage they cause.
  • Courts often support affected owners where notice was not served and damage occurred.
  • You might need to consider civil action.
Guidance & template lettersto assist a claim outside the Act — potentially saving thousands over alternative routes.

Why documentation matters

Good records, photographs and a professional report can be vital if damage claims or legal proceedings follow.

How Coburns can help

  • Assess whether the work is notifiable
  • Advise on the best next step
  • Prepare letters and supporting reports
  • Help resolve disputes efficiently
  • Support damage and non-compliance claims
✓

Where the Party Wall Act doesn’t apply, we can still help — see damage claims outside the Act.

Need help with a claim?

Contact Coburns Party Wall for expert advice and assistance.

Expert advicePractical supportClear next steps
Get advice → Call 0207 11 88 3 55