Access to neighbouring land

The Access to Neighbouring Land Act 1992 grants important rights to assist with access on neighbouring land to enable the repair and maintenance of buildings and land. There are limitations in its practical application, as the Act is for works of basic preservation only and not all circumstances where access may be desirable. In some cases the Act will not be applicable and access may be via agreement only.

This section explains the scope of the Act, specific provisions and procedures relating to access to property, the costs involved, and the perceived drawbacks to the legislation.

This section is maintained by Michael Cooper FRICS, of Cooper’s Building Surveyors Limited (email: michael@cooperscbs.com).

Document template: Neighbouring land access agreement

RICS standards: 

• Boundaries: procedures for boundary identification, demarcation and dispute resolution in England & Wales (3rd edition)
• Surveyors acting as expert witnesses (4th edition)
• Party wall legislation and procedure (7th edition)

RICS client guide: An owner’s guide to the Party Wall etc. Act 1996