Consent
You agree to the notified works proceeding. The building owner still remains responsible for complying with the Act and making good relevant damage.
Received a notice
A notice is not permission to damage your property—and dissent is not an objection to the building project. First, understand the choices.
14
Days to respond
If you do nothing, a dispute may be deemed to have arisen under the Act. Get advice before the response period expires.
Your options
Agreed Surveyor
Both owners appoint one impartial surveyor to settle the defined matters. This is often the most proportionate route where both parties are comfortable with it.
Separate surveyors
Each owner appoints a surveyor. The two surveyors work together under the Act and select a third surveyor in case a matter needs referral.
Impartiality
Your surveyor is not a hired advocate.
Once appointed under the Act, a party wall surveyor must consider both owners' rights and act fairly and practically.
The role is to settle matters within the surveyor's statutory jurisdiction—not to frustrate lawful work or simply follow an owner's instructions.
Common concerns
What can be addressed?
- Recording the existing condition
- Reasonable working hours and access
- Protection against foreseeable damage
- Making good relevant damage
- Construction details affecting your property
- Security for expenses where justified
Free initial review
Send me the notice before you respond.
I will explain what it covers, flag the response date and help you compare the available routes.
Ask about a notice ↗Official reference: government explanatory booklet ↗