When boundary walls fall, they can cause a headache.
One of the first issues is working out who’s responsible for it.
We’ve answered this question and several more in this blog.
What is a boundary wall?
A boundary wall is a wall that separates two properties. It’s positioned on the boundary between two pieces of land.
This wall can be made from several different materials. For example, fences and hedges.
Some are far taller than others. And sometimes, they aren’t practical (for example, on shared driveways).
What causes a boundary wall to collapse?
Poorly constructed
If it was poorly constructed, the wall could collapse on its own.
This might happen after months or years – it depends on how well-built it was.
Man-made damage
Outside impacts can cause a boundary wall to collapse.
Perhaps a car crashes into it, for example. Or nearby building work undermines the wall’s base.
Environmental factors
Environmental factors are equally likely to bring down a boundary wall. Strong winds during a storm could cause this.
Heavy rainfall or floods can be another explanation. And a tree might fall on a boundary wall and knock it over (there are no maximum heights for trees, so this can be difficult to avoid).
Who is responsible when a boundary wall collapses?
When a boundary wall collapses, it must be cleaned up and repaired or reconstructed.
Fees will almost always be involved, creating disputes over who should pay.
Check title deeds
Your first step is to look at the title deeds. This can guide who owns the wall and who’s responsible for it.
Remember that this could be you, even if it was built before you moved in.
When you agree to buy the house, you take responsibility for details such as this on the title deeds.
Decide by side
If the title deeds don’t give guidance on this, you should check whether the wall straddles both sides of the property or is entirely on one person’s land.
In this latter scenario, the person whose side it’s on is responsible for it.
You can bring in a boundary surveyor to resolve this decision.
Remember that if the wall is entirely on their land but has fallen onto your property, you have the right to demand that they sort out the situation by themselves.
If the situation isn’t fixed, it could devalue your property.
Get quotes for fixing the wall
Finally, if you are responsible for the wall, you should get quotes for its repair.
How much can a boundary wall be to repair or replace?
It depends on the height, width and length of the wall. It’ll usually be thousands of pounds.
This can range from £1,000 up to £10,000, and sometimes even higher.
You should get an expert in to give a personalised quote for your situation.
What if your neighbour refuses to discuss a boundary wall?
You should speak to a solicitor if your neighbour refuses to approach this subject.
They can help you to take the necessary steps to take them to court.
Your neighbour can’t ignore this. They will be liable for all damages and fees if they are found guilty.
Can I get insurance on the collapse of a boundary wall?
In most cases, a boundary wall should be covered by Building Insurance.
You should check your policy to be sure. And speak to your provider when you take out the policy to confirm.
It’s always worth checking the small print in your policy documentation. There can sometimes be policy exclusions.
Do the same rules apply to a boundary fence?
Yes, all the guidance given further above in this blog also applies to a fence.
If the fence straddles the line separating both properties, you’re usually both responsible. If your neighbour refuses to help, you can take action against them.
