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 >>
Categories: Adjoining Owners, Notices, Rights of Owners
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 >>
Categories: Adjoining Owners, Compensation, Notices, Rights of Owners
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 >>
Categories: Adjoining Owners, Rights of Owners
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 >>
Categories: Adjoining Owners, Enforcement, Notices, Rights of Owners, Surveyors
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 >>
Categories: Adjoining Owners, Compensation, Enforcement, Rights of Owners, Surveyors, Uncategorized
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 >>
Categories: Notices, Rights of Owners
Question What I wanted to ask you was is my neighbour allowed to start work? If she is I’m absolutely unhappy with that as I am home self isolating all the time and it would be horrendous living next door to all that noise. Note - this question was submitted during the Coronavirus crisis. Answer As it stands, the Government guidance does ... Read more >>
Categories: Rights of Owners
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 >>
Categories: Adjoining Owners, Notices, Rights of Owners
Question I consented to my neighbour's works on the understanding that I should not suffer as a consequence. Many of the existing cracks have widened but my neighbour is saying because they are existing they are not his responsibility. Can this be correct? Answer Certain rights under the Act, such as cutting in to a party wall, come with an ... Read more >>
Categories: Adjoining Owners, Compensation, Rights of Owners
Question My neighbours are extending in to their basement. Recently the drilling work has intensified and I’ve noticed a crack in the hallway. Should they be using a lower level of force in the drilling i.e. so the house is not shaking and creating cracks as they go? Answer You don’t say whether there is a party wall award in place but if ... Read more >>
Categories: Adjoining Owners, Compensation, Enforcement, Party Wall Awards, Rights of Owners, Surveyors