partywall

A party wall is a wall that stands on the land of two or more properties and forms a boundary between them. It is typically a structural element shared by adjacent properties, such as walls between terraced houses or between flats within a building. The wall may also bear loads from floors or ceilings.

Ownership and maintenance arrangements vary. The wall may be owned by one or both neighboring property owners, or it may be treated as jointly owned and maintained. The exact rights and duties to repair or modify the wall depend on local law and the terms of property deeds or building regulations.

Legal framework and notices are commonly involved when work is planned that affects the party wall. In many jurisdictions, owners who intend to cut into or bore through the wall, create openings, excavate near it, or otherwise affect its structure must serve formal notices on neighboring owners. If the parties cannot agree, a party wall award or agreement may be issued by surveyors, outlining the scope of works, compensation, access, and scheduling.

Works and damages: Typical activities requiring consideration of the party wall include construction of extensions, installing new supports, or repairing damage. Laws often require work to be carried out with minimal disturbance, appropriate protection of adjoining property, and compensation or remedies for any damage caused.

Variations by jurisdiction exist. In the United Kingdom, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 regulates notices, surveys, and awards; other countries have similar regimes under different names within their property or civil codes. In the United States, many states have statutes or case law addressing shared or common walls.