Email can be an acceptable method of serving a party wall notice where the adjoining owner has stated willingness to receive the notice electronically and provided an electronic address. Simply knowing a neighbour's email address is not enough to assume they agreed to that method.
What should you confirm first?
Ask the adjoining owner whether they agree to receive notices under the Act electronically, and at which email address. Keep a record of their agreement and of what you sent.
Other permitted delivery methods
The official booklet discusses personal delivery and postal service, with further specific arrangements where the owner's name is unknown. The Party Wall Act also includes provisions on service of notices. Choose a method appropriate to your circumstances.
When does the notice period start?
The statutory notice period relates to valid service, not merely when a PDF was created. Keep a record of the actual date and method of service, and make sure the proposed start date still allows the applicable one- or two-month period.
What should be attached?
The notice must contain the information required for its category. Some technical works—such as section 6 excavation or special foundations—need drawings. An email with an incomplete PDF does not become compliant simply because it was delivered electronically.
Read the service guide and deadline guide for the next checks.
Based on the GOV.UK explanatory booklet and the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This is general guidance for England and Wales; the applicable rules depend on the actual work and affected owners.
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