Economy

Homeowners warned your neighbour could land YOU a £50k fine over little-known rule

Homeowners up and down the country have been warned that their neighbours could land them with a £50,000 fine over a little-known rule.

The rule, known as the party wall act, is designed to protect the rights of neighbours when it comes to construction and development projects.

Under the act, neighbours have the right to object to certain works and can even take legal action if they feel their rights have been infringed.

While the law is intended to protect homeowners, it also means that if your neighbour fails to comply with the rules, then you could face a hefty fine.

The fine could be as much as £50,000 for failing to comply with the act and could also include costs for the neighbour to pay for any damage caused.

It is therefore important for homeowners to be aware of the party wall act and what it means for them.

For instance, any works that involve the construction of a wall, alteration of an existing wall, or excavation close to a neighbour’s property, must be notified in writing to the neighbour.

The neighbour then has the right to object to the works and can even seek compensation if they feel their rights have been infringed.

If the person carrying out the work fails to comply with the party wall act then they could face a hefty fine and even be taken to court.

It is therefore important for homeowners to be aware of the act and to make sure their neighbours are aware of the rules.

It is also important to remember that the act is in place to protect the rights of neighbours, so homeowners should always be mindful of their neighbour’s rights and make sure they comply with the act.