Who is the building owner?
The Act uses the term for the owner who wants to exercise its rights. If you own your home jointly, every joint owner is a building owner and every name should appear on the notice. If a company owns the property, the notice goes in the company's name.
Can a builder or architect serve it?
They can prepare it and deliver it for you, and many do. The notice should make clear that it is given by you as building owner, and anyone acting for you should have your authority. The legal duty stays with you, so read what they send before it goes.
Can a surveyor serve it?
Yes. Party wall surveyors routinely prepare notices, check ownership at the Land Registry and serve them for building owners. If your neighbour then dissents, the same surveyor can act for you, or as agreed surveyor for both sides.
Can I do it myself?
Yes. Nothing requires a professional. If you go it alone, take care over what the notice must include and how it is served.
Tenants and developers
A tenant on an ordinary short let is not an owner under the Act and cannot serve notice in their own name. A developer who owns the site, or has contracted to buy it, can.
Common questions
My builder says notices are my problem. Is that right?
Yes. The duty sits with the building owner, although a builder who starts work without the proper notices can cause you real trouble.
Does the notice need to be signed?
It should be signed by, or on behalf of, each building owner, so there is no doubt about who is giving it.
Where this comes from in the Act
Links go to the official text of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 on legislation.gov.uk.