Terraced House Shared Downpipe Causing Damp Issues

[bossoffive]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently facing a damp issue in my terraced house, and after consulting a builder, it seems the problem might be linked to my neighbor's house.


According to the builder, my neighbor doesn't have their own downpipe and is sharing my gutter, causing overflows during heavy rains over the last month. The builder recommended checking my Title Deed to verify the legality of this arrangement (he believes it's not permitted). However, I couldn't find any specific mention of pipes on the Title Deed. Is there a particular section where this information might be included or a better way to confirm this?


I have minimal interaction with my neighbors, and they seem nice. The previous owners took it upon themselves to modify the arrangement during their construction work, opting to share my downpipe/gutters seemingly to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the back of their property (If I remember correctly it wasn't like that previous to works).


My plan is to first confirm these details and then document the situation with photos. I intend to approach my neighbors and discuss a resolution, as it's necessary for them to erect scaffolding and redirect their downpipe to their own gutter/drains. The water marks appearing on my walls indicate that this shared arrangement is causing damage.


Over the weekend, I'll upload some photos to illustrate the situation more clearly. I'm seeking advice on the best way to clarify the legalities and approach this situation with my neighbors.


Any suggestions on how to navigate this or insights on finding the relevant information would be greatly appreciated.

[atticus]

How long has this arrangement been in place? An easement or other legal right may have arisen with the passage of time.

Assuming, however, that the previous owner's work was rather less than 20 years ago, you need to speak to your neighbours, explain the problem and how it has arisen, and request them to install their own downpipe.

[sandfordboy]

If you are in a Terrace, have you looked at the gutter/downpipe arrangements for other properties? are those the same as yours or,clearly different & individual to other properties? Check carefully, don't want a war over this.Has anyone rodded/cleared the downpipe to be absolutely sure that blockages are not the issue? Be careful.

[bossoffive]

UPDATE:

The neighbouring houses seem to have their own down pipes. I have now attached photos below of the issue.

I've thoroughly checked my Title Deed, and interestingly, there's no mention or recording of Easements regarding these pipes.

My annual maintenance routine includes regular gutter cleaning, and it's worth noting that my property had an extension built four years ago. This is the first time water damage has appeared, and I suspect it's due to the exceptionally heavy rainfall this year. Besides that, there haven't been any significant changes.

I plan to discuss this issue with my neighbor when they return from vacation next week. However, I'm uncertain about the legal aspect - if there are no easements recorded, does that mean my neighbor isn't partially responsible for altering the downpipe/gutter setup, even though it's causing damage to my property?

Thank you all for your insights and advice in advance.

[islandgirl]

these houses look very British but just checking due to the spelling of neighbour and the use of vacation...this is in the UK?

[echat11]

these houses look very British but just checking due to the spelling of neighbour and the use of vacation...this is in the UK?

Only in the UK would someone paint their house pink, but since the arrival of the 'Barbie' movie I fear the worst.

True story someone rented a TV, they painted the rented TV pink for their daughter, explain that to the rental company.

Neighbour is an auto correct thing, I get it all the time..

[islandgirl]

Good story Echat - pink TV? Vacation not commonly used though.....as I said they do look British!

[bossoffive]

Apologies for confusion. Just to clarify, this situation is in the UK. My property is adjacent to the pink house, and the issue arises as it receives rainfall not just from my house but also from theirs.

I've attached a photo showcasing the leak for reference.