Q I live in a duplex and have a new next-door neighbor. He says that he doesn't need to abide by the previous owner's "party wall" agreement. I believe it follows the deed and whoever is the owner needs to follow it. Who is correct? Also, what recourse do I have if he starts changing the outside appearance of the house?

A You are correct. Party wall agreements, which cover how mutual owners will handle various issues, will follow the title to the real estate if properly drafted and recorded. Your new next-door neighbor would be bound by the terms of the party wall agreement.

If yours and your neighbor's properties are subject to a declaration that places the governance of your properties in an association in which you both are members, the regulation of the outside appearance of your houses would probably be subject to the control of the association.

If there is no association involved, the party wall agreement should control any changes to the outside appearance of your houses.

Jack Bouquet, attorney, Thomsen & Nybeck, P.A., Edina

Donations, giveaways and exchanges Q Who will take a donation of an electric typewriter?

A It may be just what a nonprofit, charter school or small business is looking for. One way to advertise its availability is to post your typewriter at:

• www.twincitiesfreemarket.org, a site for people giving away or looking for items.

• www.mnexchange.org. (612-624-1300) is a similar site for business-related items.

Send your questions to Fixit in care of the Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488, or call 612-673-7032, or e-mail fixit@startribune.com. Past columns are available at www.startribune.com/fixit. Sorry, Fixit cannot supply individual replies.