What If My Neighbour Already Started Work Without a Party Wall Agreement?

It happens more than you think when all of a sudden you're sitting at home and suddenly hear drills, hammers, or scaffolding going up next door.

But no one mentioned any building work, and you haven’t received a Party Wall Notice.

So… can they do that? And what can you do about it?

🚨 The Legal Answer: No, They Can’t

Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, your neighbour is legally required to serve a notice before starting certain types of work, such as:

Loft conversions that cut into a shared wall

Rear or side extensions near the boundary

Basement works or underpinning

Removing chimney breasts attached to party walls

If they haven’t served notice, they’ve breached the Act.

🧱 What Are Your Rights?

You can:

Formally request a stop to the works

Appoint a surveyor

Apply for an injunction to halt the work until it’s resolved

The court has a history of siding with adjoining owners when the process hasn’t been followed.

⚖️ Real Legal Backing: Bickford-Smith v. Riches (2020)

In this case, the building owner was ordered to undo the work carried out without serving notice or obtaining a Party Wall Award.

🧠 Why It Matters

Without a Party Wall Agreement:

You’re not protected if their work causes damage

You may have no say in how close they build to your property

The construction may be unsafe or unregulated

🛡️ How Grandline Can Help

We can:

Assess the legal breach

Act as your appointed surveyor to safeguard your interests if there is outstanding notifiable building work which is yet to be completed

📍 Local Expertise, Trusted Advice

We’ve supported property owners in:

Newham – Forest Gate, East Ham, Stratford

East London – Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Redbridge

Essex – Romford, Barking, Dagenham

Greater London - All Areas

No matter where you are, we help level the playing field.

📞 Don’t Let It Slide

If your neighbour has already started work without notice, don’t wait.

Call Grandline Party Wall Surveyors on 020 7205 4854

We’ll help you take back control fast.