What is Section 3 of the Party Wall Act?

Section 3 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 deals with the requirements for issuing a Party Structure Notice. Before a building owner can exercise any right conferred to him under Section 2 of the Party Wall Act he should serve on an adjoining owner a Party Structure Notice stating his intentions.

What is a party structure notice?

A party structure notice is one of the notices that must be served where the owner of a property (known as ‘the building owner’) intends to undertake any construction work described in Sections 1, 2 and 6 of the Party Wall etc. The name and address of the building owner. …

Who is liable for damage to an adjoining property?

If a landowner’s property is damaged by an excavation conducted by an adjoining owner, that adjoining owner is liable for the damages. In the case of adjoining properties, landowners have mutual legally enforceable rights to lateral support.

What are the rights of adjoining property owners?

In general, the underlying theme is that adjoining landowners are expected to use their property reasonably without unduly interfering with the rights of the owners of contiguous land.

How long does it take to get a response from an adjoining owner?

If 14 days passes and there still isn’t a response from the Adjoining Owner, at that point a further Notice can be served which gives them a further and final 10 days to respond.

What are the rights of adjoining landowners in South Carolina?

For example, in South Carolina, an owner is temporarily allowed to access the adjoining landowner’s property to improve, repair or maintain the owner’s property. However, the property must not fall into such disrepair as to threaten the health and safety of the public.

What happens when an adjoining landowner excavates?

If the adjoining owner excavates so near the line that his neighbor’s soil is liable to give way, s/he must support it by artificial means. If it is not supported by artificial means then s/he is liable for damages if it falls into the exaction. [i] In, Seal v. Aldredge [ii] the plaintiff landowner had an easement over adjoining property.

How to avoid excavation work near existing property?

Following are the precautions which help to commence excavation work near existing adjoining property: 01. Do geotechnical study of excavation area before commencing excavation work near adjoining building. I.e. study type of soil, layers and water table. 02. Never do entire excavation at a time.

When does an adjoining landowner file a lawsuit?

A lawsuit for the removal of lateral support accrues when the damage occurs, not when the excavation is done. An adjoining landowner who excavates close to his or her boundary line has a duty to prevent injury arising from the removal of the lateral support of a neighbor’s property.

What should be done before digging up an adjoining property?

The excavation should be done in such a manner that the soil of adjoining property will not liable to give away or should be supported by artificial means. It is necessary to contact your structural designer before you start the construction work as they will guide you about all precautions before commencing the excavation work.