Party Wall etc. Act 1996

Before you begin work, it is important to find out whether your work falls within the scope of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This is particularly likely if your work involves:

This is a separate matter from Building Control, whether you are using the Local Authority Building Control service or that of an Approved Inspector.

The Government has published a free guide which explains all of the situations and necessary notices and appeal procedures: Party Wall etc Act 1996: Explanatory Booklet.

Additionally, an explanatory leaflet is available on the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors' website.

It can be a good idea to receive advice from an expert in party wall matters concerning the procedures of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and the rights and responsibilities it confers. A list of party wall practitioners is available on the Party Walls website: http://www.partywalls.org.uk/. Alternatively you can contact the society in writing: