Check who owns it
Do not assume. Many former council homes have been bought under the right to buy, and some housing association homes are in shared ownership. The Land Registry title shows the registered owner.
Use the right address
Councils and housing associations are corporate bodies. A notice can be delivered or posted to the secretary or clerk at the registered or principal office. Many landlords also have a team that handles building work next door to their homes; ask which address they prefer, but make sure you also serve in a way the Act recognises.
Shared ownership
A shared owner with a long lease will usually count as an owner too, alongside the housing association as freeholder. Serve both.
Tell the tenant
The tenant cannot consent on the landlord's behalf, but they are the one living with the work. A friendly letter explaining what is planned, and when, avoids surprises.
Expect a surveyor
Larger landlords often dissent and appoint a surveyor as a matter of policy. Build that into your timetable from the start.
Common questions
The council has not replied. What now?
The same rules apply as for any owner. For shared-wall and excavation notices, a dispute arises after 14 days, and the 10-day request procedure follows.
Does the tenant need to be told before anyone enters?
Yes. Entry under the Act requires notice to the occupier as well as the owner.
Where this comes from in the Act
Links go to the official text of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 on legislation.gov.uk.