Why the notice came to you
Building owners sometimes address notices to "the occupier", or simply do not know the home is let. The Act requires owners to be served, so your landlord needs to see it quickly, because the 14-day clock may already be running.
What to do
- Send a copy to your landlord or letting agent the day it arrives, and keep the original safe.
- Let the neighbour know that you rent, and pass on your landlord's details if your landlord is happy for you to.
- Photograph any existing cracks or marks near the shared wall, with the date, in case they are needed later.
Are you an owner?
Possibly, if your lease is a long one. The Act's definition of owner leaves out tenants from year to year or on shorter terms, but a leaseholder with a longer lease can be an owner and may need to respond in their own right.
Your rights as an occupier
The Act protects adjoining occupiers as well as owners:
- the work must not cause you unnecessary inconvenience
- you are entitled to compensation for loss or damage the work causes you
- anyone entering under the Act must give notice to the occupier as well as the owner, at least 14 days ahead except in an emergency
Common questions
Can I refuse to let the builders in?
Not where entry is authorised by the Act and properly notified. Refusing someone you know is entitled to enter is an offence.
Who pays if my belongings are damaged?
The building owner must compensate occupiers, as well as owners, for loss or damage caused by the work.
Where this comes from in the Act
Links go to the official text of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 on legislation.gov.uk.