Why appointments are fixed
The rule stops owners sacking a surveyor who makes an unwelcome decision. It protects the impartiality of the whole process.
When a replacement can be appointed
- Your surveyor dies, or becomes or considers themselves incapable of acting: you can appoint a replacement.
- An agreed surveyor will not act, stays silent for 10 days after being asked to, or dies or becomes unable to act: the whole process restarts.
If you are unhappy with your surveyor
- Put your concerns to them in writing.
- Use their firm's complaints procedure, or their professional body's.
- A slow surveyor can be sent a formal request, after which the other surveyor may act alone.
- If you disagree with the award itself, the remedy is an appeal within 14 days.
Before you appoint
Because you cannot change your mind later, choose carefully. See choosing your own surveyor.
Common questions
Can a surveyor step down?
A surveyor who becomes, or considers themselves, incapable of acting can step aside, and a replacement is then appointed.
Where this comes from in the Act
Links go to the official text of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 on legislation.gov.uk.