Separate use from ownership
A neighbour may still use a flue although your own fireplace has been unused for years. Conversely, a flue beside a dividing wall is not necessarily entirely shared. Where needed, have ownership and associated rights assessed against the applicable documents.
List visible connections and known users. Have unknown routes investigated. A belief that a flue is unused is insufficient grounds for closing or removing it.
Discuss the intended result together
Show which section would be removed and what would remain. Discuss the implications for both homes, the roof finish and access during the work. A description that both parties understand is more useful than a photograph with an arrow alone.
Record the arrangements
Agree who commissions the work, how costs are divided and who decides on additional investigation or changes. Also agree how existing damage is recorded and how later questions will be handled. Have uncertain ownership or consent issues reviewed by an appropriate professional.
Keep other checks separate
Neighbour agreements do not replace a structural assessment or any public procedure. Complete the Vergunningcheck for the address and actual activities. Final scheduling should follow clarity on the relevant consent and supporting information for the chosen work.
Make the shared proposal understandable
Use one description or drawing showing what will remain and change for each property. Include known appliance connections and access to both roof slopes. This reveals whether removal depends on investigations or changes outside your own room.
Agree who may approve a variation once work is underway. An agreement on costs alone does not resolve design, access or repairs. Ensure both parties have the same current documents before a firm work date is set.
| Subject | Clarify beforehand | Record if changed |
|---|---|---|
| Use | Which flues and appliances remain operational? | Effects and the required specialist assessment. |
| Access | Which rooms, roofs or gardens are needed? | Additional access or changed scheduling. |
| Repairs | Roof and interior work on both sides. | Materials and altered repair areas. |
| Decisions | Who commissions the work and gives each approval? | Written confirmation of additional work and costs. |
- Treat use and ownership as separate questions.
- Describe the work boundary on both sides.
- Agree access and repairs in writing.
- Complete structural and public-law checks separately.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have my half removed without discussion?
Do not assume so. First establish the components, rights and uses involved and which consent is necessary.
Can neighbours prepare one application together?
Joint preparation may help. Clarify who is authorised to act for whom and how costs are allocated.
Read more
- Preparing apartment chimney work with the VvE
- Check whether a flue is still in use before removal
- Restoring fire and acoustic separation after chimney work
