6 Important Things to Know About Party Walls
A party wall is a shared wall, usually between two adjoining properties or buildings, that is owned by both property owners or occupants. These walls are common in urban areas where buildings are built close to each other. Party walls serve to provide structural support and separation between the properties while allowing both owners to use the wall for their respective purposes.
Here are some key points to know and understand about party walls:
Shared Ownership
Both property owners have a legal interest in the party wall, and they share responsibility for its maintenance, repair, and any alterations.
Rights and Responsibilities
The rights and responsibilities of each owner concerning the party wall are typically defined in a legally binding agreement known as a Party Wall Agreement or Party Wall Award. This agreement outlines how maintenance and repair costs will be shared and how any work on the wall, such as extensions or alterations, will be managed.
Types of Party Wall
Party walls can come in different forms, such as a wall shared by two semi-detached houses, a wall between two terraced houses, or even walls within a single building that are shared by different units or tenants.
Not Just Walls
Party walls are not limited to just walls. They can also include structures like fences, garden walls, and even the floors and ceilings shared by different units in a multi-story building.
Legal Requirements
In many countries, there are specific legal requirements and regulations governing party walls. These regulations are in place to protect the rights and interests of both property owners and to prevent disputes.
Party Wall Surveyor
In some cases, disputes may arise over party walls or planned work that affects them. In such situations, a party wall surveyor may be appointed to assess the situation, mediate disputes, and ensure that all parties’ rights and responsibilities are upheld.
Overall, party walls are an important aspect of property ownership and construction, and understanding the legal and practical aspects of party walls is crucial for property owners and building professionals like building surveyors.
Quatrefoils are very experienced in dealing with party wall issues, do not hesitate to contact us for advice or to enquire about a related topic. You can click here to find all our contact information.