Awards & Breaches

How to deal with breaches of an award

A breach does not automatically justify escalation. Start by asking what has happened, what consequence it has caused and what outcome you need.
Clear, practical guidanceThis article is written for adjoining owners. For advice about your own notice, award or neighbour’s works, speak to Coburns Party Wall.

Not every breach needs a fight

Minor departures that cause no harm can often be corrected informally. The objective is usually compliance, not punishment.

Identify the actual clause and consequence

Be precise about what the award requires and how the works differ. A vague allegation of “breach” is much harder to resolve than a specific issue.

Ask for the practical outcome

That may be to provide missing information, stop unauthorised access, install protection, change a working method or repair damage.

Escalate serious matters

Breaches involving safety, ongoing damage, missing support, significant unauthorised work or repeated disregard of important protections deserve firmer action.

Remember enforcement is separate

Surveyors can determine matters within jurisdiction, but they do not personally enforce every award. Serious non-compliance may require legal advice.

Key takeaway

Overlook what does not matter. Raise what needs correcting. Escalate what genuinely matters.

This page provides general information about the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and common practice. It is not legal advice and does not replace advice on the facts of a particular matter.