Party Wall Notice Request Letter: Free Template and What to Include

If you need to request neighbour serve proper party wall notice before building work begins, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong party wall notice request should include.

What this letter needs to cover

• Reference the Party Wall etc Act 1996
• State that you can appoint a surveyor, whose costs are normally paid by the building owner
• Request they halt works and serve the required notice immediately

Why party wall notices matter before building work begins

Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, certain building works — including work on a shared wall, excavation near a boundary, or building astride a boundary line — legally require the person carrying out the work to serve proper notice on affected neighbours before starting, giving them the chance to agree, dissent, or request a party wall award.

What to include before you send it

• Confirmation of the proposed works you're aware of, and why you believe notice is required
• A request for proper notice to be served in accordance with the Party Wall Act
• A statement that work shouldn't proceed until this process is correctly followed
• Confirmation you'll respond formally once proper notice is received

What happens once proper notice is served

Once you receive a valid notice, you can consent, dissent (triggering a formal party wall award prepared by a surveyor), or do nothing (which after 14 days is treated as a dissent). This process protects both sides, and skipping it can leave the person doing the work exposed to a claim if damage results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if work has already started without proper notice?
You can still request retrospective compliance and may have grounds for an injunction to halt work until the correct process is followed, particularly if you have genuine concerns about the impact on your property.

Who pays for the surveyor if a formal award is needed?
Generally the person carrying out the works covers reasonable surveyor costs, since they're the party seeking to exercise rights under the Act.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Postcode]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Neighbour's Name]
[Neighbour's Address]
[Neighbour's Postcode]
[Date]

Dear [Neighbour's Name],

Subject: Notice of building work under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996

I am writing to tell you that I plan to carry out building work at [Your Property Address] that is covered by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

The work involves:
• [e.g. Cutting into the party wall to insert steel beams for a loft conversion]
• [If it applies: e.g. Excavating foundations within 3 metres of your property]

I intend to start the work on [Date - at least 2 months away for work on a party wall, or at least 1 month for excavation or building on the boundary line]. I have enclosed the formal Party Wall Notice and the plans.

Please reply within 14 days to say whether you consent to the work. If you do not reply within 14 days, a dispute is treated as having arisen and surveyors will need to be appointed. I am happy to talk through the plans with you.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]

[Note for the page: The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies in England and Wales only.]