Party Wall Agreement Definition

A party wall agreement is a legal document that is used when two adjoining property owners want to carry out work that will affect a shared boundary wall, fence, or hedge. The purpose of the agreement is to define the rights and obligations of each property owner in relation to the party wall and to establish procedures that will be followed during the work.

A party wall agreement typically includes the following information:

1. Description of the proposed work: This section describes the nature and extent of the work that will be carried out. It may include demolition, excavation, construction or alteration of the party wall.

2. Scope of work: This section defines the responsibilities of each property owner in relation to the work. It may include details regarding access, security, and safety measures.

3. Notification requirements: This section outlines the requirements for notifying the adjoining property owner about the proposed work. It may include timelines for notification, methods of delivery, and the information that must be included in the notification.

4. Dispute resolution: This section outlines the procedures that will be followed in the event of a dispute between the property owners. It may include provisions for mediation or arbitration.

5. Cost allocation: This section describes how the costs of the work will be shared between the property owners. It may include details regarding payment schedules, cost estimates, and cost-sharing arrangements.

It is important to note that a party wall agreement is a legal document that must be signed by both property owners. It is binding and enforceable under law. Failure to comply with the terms of the agreement can result in legal action and financial penalties.

In summary, a party wall agreement is a legal document that defines the rights and obligations of property owners in relation to a shared boundary wall, fence or hedge. It is an important document that must be carefully considered and properly executed to ensure that the work is carried out in a fair and equitable manner.