Updated RICS party wall guidance (7th edition)

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has published guidance note: “Party wall legislation and procedure, 7th edition, August 2019”, which will apply to RICS members who accept instructions under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 (PWA 1996) from 1 December 2019.

The guidance note gives a useful summary of the PWA 1996, when it applies, and its procedures. The note also explains the difference between the surveyor’s responsibilities before a dispute has arisen, and the surveyor’s role in preparing the party wall award and what follows. It includes some precedent notices and a suggested draft award.

The guidance note also highlights that, although a party wall surveyor must act in accordance with its statutory obligations under the PWA 1996, a RICS member must also comply with various RICS codes of professional and ethical behaviour. This means RICS members have professional duties in addition to the requirements of the Act.

Although it only applies to RICS members, this guidance note is a useful resource for anyone involved in party wall matters.