Party wall awards

The Award

An Award is a legally binding document prepared by a Party Wall Surveyor, or Surveyors, for the benefit of both the Building and Adjoining Owners.  It is prepared to resolve a dispute that has arisen between the two owners in accordance with Section 10 of the Act.

The award provides authorisation to the Building Owner to conduct his works, and usually in a specific manner and during specific times.  Where a dispute has arisen between the owners, it is only until the Award is made and served is the Building Owner entitled to start work.

Once the Award is prepared it is served upon both the Building and the Adjoining Owners, simultaneously. 

Should either owner be unhappy with the award they may appeal it in the County Court.  This must be done within 14 days of being served with the award.  If the award is not appealed it becomes legally binding and cannot be subsequently challenged.  

The Works

After the Award has been served the Building Owner may carry out the works, which should be in strict compliance with the requirements set out in the Award.

The Building Owner is not obliged to undertake the agreed works but if he does, he must comply with the conditions laid out in the Award.