Understanding the Notice Period of a Party Wall

If a party wall notice has been issued, according to the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, Your neighbor will be required to respond within 14 days after being served. Let’s take into account the requirement that you will add at least two more days to the period for postal service delivery.

Action Required: Reminder Notice Letter

On expiration of the first 14 days, if your neighbour hasn’t responded yet, then you have to serve him with a reminder notice letter, and this shall give him further 10 days to respond. Again, two days for postal delivery shall be a must to be added.

Surveyor Appointment- Legal Mandate

But if your neighbor fails to reply within this long time, then it will then become binding to appoint a surveyor to take charge of the dispute. Section 10(4)(b) of the Party Wall Act indicates that this appointed surveyor must act impartially on behalf of both parties.

Understanding Neighbour’s Silence

If your neighbor was mum over the notice, this is not a negation or objection to the proposed works. Your neighbor may not know that a notice was missed or that the individual was out when it was left. Open communication from the start and throughout the entire process in the prevention of muddled misunderstandings. In the amicable resolution of disputes, or there could be a lot of derailed traffic going about on really extraneous trains of thought.

Seeking Expert Opinions

If your neighbor does not give in to your approach and initiative, it is wise that you consult a qualified party wall surveyor. You will be better advised by them, as they have a superior understanding of the intricacies involved in the Party Wall Act.

Ensuring Compliance and Resolution

This means that you will be in a position to avoid all dangers as you go about your proposed works and clear a smooth way for all parties. When you follow the procedures contained in the Act and sought advice from professionals where necessary. You ensure that disputes are resolved efficiently and legally, and that your proposed works are carried out responsibly and legally.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, if your neighbor fails to respond within the time required following the party wall notice. Then you need to take the next right steps that the Party Wall Act has outlined and those include sending a reminder notice letter and going as far as appointing a surveyor if you must. Open communication and following legal processes will necessarily get you a resolution of which you are comfortable. Hence getting on with doing your proposed work in a compliant manner.