Neighbour's continuing damage to my home

[FlamingParrot]

Re: Neighbour's continuing damage to my home

Phone the fire brigade and explain to them about the water leaking into your electricity. Because it is a multi occupancy building they have the power to force your neighbour to do something about it. He is putting lives at risk. Explain that nobody seems to want to do anything and you are at your wits end. There is no sense in getting the interior of your flat fixed if this problem is going to continue.

I remember ringing the fire brigade at 3am when part of the ceiling came down (thankfully over the top of a wardrobe!) due to a water leak, only in this case the upstairs neighbour was away on holidays and they forced entry and did something to stop the leak, can't remember what because it's been so many years! Only in this case there was no-one in the neighbour's flat.

[PlanB]

Re: Neighbour's continuing damage to my home

He talks right over everything you say anyway (even in a regular conversation, not related to damage he's caused). He's also very good at avoiding me (I didn't bump into him for about 6 months after he threatened my dad). I've not seen him since Monday and I'm not about to knock on his door again.

I'm a good person and just want to live peacefully. It makes me heartsick that this has happened and that I'm having to deal with it. But I'm sick of being a doormat.

Every time I read this thread I sense you have a personal not practical problem with your neighbour although there is an overlap. If you're "sick of being a doormat" then you must learn to stand up to him. And if you can't do that then get someone else to stand up to him for you. He didn't make you a doormat because that was your choice. Call the insurance company and get them involved today. If they appoint a loss adjuster then they will have the right to enter his property (by arrangement) to inspect the cause of the problem.

You say you didn't bump into him for six months at one point so it'll be hard to claim he's been constantly intimidating you (albeit you were told he was rude to your father). So forget the ASBO idea.

You say you're not going to knock on his door again. Good. Because door-knocking at an inconvenient time puts people's backs up and they immediately go on the defensive somethimes using the *F* word. I know I do

If I were to ask him what you are like as a neighbour how would he describe you? Would he say you were that annoying woman living below him who spends her whole time banging on his door and complaining about trivial things? I make this point because that's how mediation works. Both sides are asked to consider the situation from the other's point of view. Have you thought about mediation to resolve this, because it's sometimes available for free through your council as an alternative to ASBOs.

You say he's ignored your problem and yet you also say he sent someone round to fix it and they put up your new wallpaper. Your only objection to this olive branch was the man was 'smelly'. Most builders are smelly. My best plumber is not only smelly but he has a criminal record but I don't hold that against him when he does a good job. I would have given you flowers or a bottle of champagne to say sorry if I'd caused a water escape but since you're clearly not best friends that's not going to happen.

Do you really want this man to hound you out of your own home so that you sell up and slink away only to find another neighbour is the same because there are loads of them about? Or do you want to stop being a doormat? Maybe it's time to rethink being so "nice" and stand up for yourself because letting someone walk all over you can't be good for your self-esteem :hug:


Don't run away. Stand firm and fight this bum :fencing:

[Madgrrl]

Re: Neighbour's continuing damage to my home

Funnily enough, one of my colleagues today mentioned the fire brigade.

Every time I read this thread I sense you have a personal not practical problem with your neighbour although there is an overlap. If you're "sick of being a doormat" then you must learn to stand up to him. And if you can't do that then get someone else to stand up to him for you. He didn't make you a doormat because that was your choice. Call the insurance company and get them involved today. If they appoint a loss adjuster then they will have the right to enter his property (by arrangement) to inspect the cause of the problem.

You say you didn't bump into him for six months at one point so it'll be hard to claim he's been constantly intimidating you (albeit you were told he was rude to your father). So forget the ASBO idea.

You say you're not going to knock on his door again. Good. Because door-knocking at an inconvenient time puts people's backs up and they immediately go on the defensive somethimes using the *F* word. I know I do

If I were to ask him what you are like as a neighbour how would he describe you? Would he say you were that annoying woman living below him who spends her whole time banging on his door and complaining about trivial things? I make this point because that's how mediation works. Both sides are asked to consider the situation from the other's point of view. Have you thought about mediation to resolve this, because it's sometimes available for free through your council as an alternative to ASBOs.

You say he's ignored your problem and yet you also say he sent someone round to fix it and they put up your new wallpaper. Your only objection to this olive branch was the man was 'smelly'. Most builders are smelly. My best plumber is not only smelly but he has a criminal record but I don't hold that against him when he does a good job. I would have given you flowers or a bottle of champagne to say sorry if I'd caused a water escape but since you're clearly not best friends that's not going to happen.

Do you really want this man to hound you out of your own home so that you sell up and slink away only to find another neighbour is the same because there are loads of them about? Or do you want to stop being a doormat? Maybe it's time to rethink being so "nice" and stand up for yourself because letting someone walk all over you can't be good for your self-esteem :hug:


Don't run away. Stand firm and fight this bum :fencing:

Not all of us are brimming with confidence. My brother is, and I know if he heard about this he would react. But he does not know about the previous threats made against my dad nor the current situation. My parents do not want him involved. I do not know anyone else who would speak to him on my behalf.

I know how mediation works. I'm not sure that I'd get it though as we're both owner-occupiers. And as I said before, his friend works in the anti-social behavior dept of the council. Also, it was not mentioned as an option when I spoke to the lady from the council yesterday. I doubt he would even agree to it. I have no idea how he would describe me. He might even lie, it would not surprise me. He would probably lose his temper in a mediation situation because that seems to be the way he works.

I noticed the guy was smelly (strong body odour) but it was his demeanor that worried me. The glare he gave me when he saw me, and the fact that he didn't even speak to me, just grunted 'no' when I asked if he wanted a cup of tea. I don't even know if this guy was a builder to be honest, I don't know what his profession is. I think he was a mate or acquaintance of my neighbour, and perhaps a mate who owed my neighbour a favour. I don't want flowers or champagne, I just want the right to be able to live in my own home without things like this happening. I think I am entitled to that.


He's not been constantly intimidating me. But who knows how he will react when he receives my letter? He was rude to me on Monday, but he wasn't 'rude' to my dad. He threatened my dad with violence. There is a difference. I also get the strong feeling that this has happened before with the previous owner of my flat, in fact I possibly heard him something to that affect on the phone to someone the other night (I can hear him very clearly as his tone is loud even when not raising his voice). He said something along the lines of "I'm not f***ing paying for that again."

By "inconvenient time" do you mean because his father is ill? Or do you mean an inconvenient time of day? Because I wasn't knocking on his door in the early hours of the morning, it was closer to noon. I still got him out his bed though. And I will not go up to his flat after dark now.

This is such a stressful situation, I've been unable to sleep and getting headaches and feeling sick. I just want it sorted out.

[CleverClogs]

Re: Neighbour's continuing damage to my home

By "inconvenient time" do you mean because his father is ill?

One might wonder if the illness was caused by his realisation of the horrid nature of his son. :grin:

[PlanB]

Re: Neighbour's continuing damage to my home

This is such a stressful situation, I've been unable to sleep and getting headaches and feeling sick. I just want it sorted out.

Oh dear this horrid man really has got under your skin far more than the on-and-off again bathroom leak Here's another thought. Why not get the insurance company to fix the problem pronto and then consider renting out your flat for a year while you rent somewhere else with a better vibe :couch2:

Selling and buying property costs a fortune in legal fees, stamp duty and removal costs etc and porting mortgages isn't always a done deal. You fell in love with the flat six years ago and maybe what seemed full of 'quirky charm and character' now seems full of hassle. I live in a 'Georgian gem' where bits drop off it on a daily basis but I wouldn't trade it in for a modern steel and glass structure with lower utility bills even if Kevin McCloud were to carry me over the threshold (and I fancy him too ).

Older structures didn't have to conform with Building Regulations which is why noise transfers so easily. When my neighbour gives a party he sends me an invite so I can join in rather than lie awake feeling resentful of the noise (and fun) :drum: I decline because I'm in my 60s and he's a rapper but it's the thought that counts

What I'm trying to say is think carefully before you throw in the towel on your home because you may have other options. Who says he'll stay in his flat for ever anyway :noidea:

[Madgrrl]

Re: Neighbour's continuing damage to my home

Oh dear this horrid man really has got under your skin far more than the on-and-off again bathroom leak Here's another thought. Why not get the insurance company to fix the problem pronto and then consider renting out your flat for a year while you rent somewhere else with a better vibe :couch2:

Selling and buying property costs a fortune in legal fees, stamp duty and removal costs etc and porting mortgages isn't always a done deal. You fell in love with the flat six years ago and maybe what seemed full of 'quirky charm and character' now seems full of hassle. I live in a 'Georgian gem' where bits drop off it on a daily basis but I wouldn't trade it in for a modern steel and glass structure with lower utility bills even if Kevin McCloud were to carry me over the threshold (and I fancy him too ).

Older structures didn't have to conform with Building Regulations which is why noise transfers so easily. When my neighbour gives a party he sends me an invite so I can join in rather than lie awake feeling resentful of the noise (and fun) :drum: I decline because I'm in my 60s and he's a rapper but it's the thought that counts

What I'm trying to say is think carefully before you throw in the towel on your home because you may have other options. Who says he'll stay in his flat for ever anyway :noidea:

Renting is an option, but it's so difficult to get on the property ladder, I'd be worried that if I got off it I couldn't get back on again. Or something. But moving is a long way off. I want to get over this hump first

I still love my flat, well bits of it lol. As I said, the energy bills are a pain. I'd only looked at 4 properties, and this place just grabbed my attention straight away. It was a toss up between this place and another in the end, and the other one was a newer flat, but was small and only had one bedroom. I suppose I felt I was getting more flat for my money here, too. Your place sounds nice.

My neighbour actually told me not long after I'd moved in that he was going to be selling up the next year. It still hasn't happened. I take everything he says these days with a large pinch of sodium chloride.

Anyway, today's news. I sent off my letter, next day recorded delivery so it should arrive before 1pm. The annoying thing is that he will most likely be at work. Pity it couldn't be delivered on a Saturday when he would probably be at home. So, he'll probably have to pick it up at the post office if he's not in. And who knows when he will get round to doing that? At least I'm able to track when it is signed for.

I also phoned the police tonight, just to let them know what is going on. As expected I was told that there is nothing they can do unless he actually does something untoward to me or my property. She wouldn't even log my details in the system. Oh well.

I also have my claims handler coming over on Tuesday, to see everything. And I've been that I should get a 'contractor' in to get a quote for repairs. Was told it's best to get one person to do everything, but I'm not really sure what needs done. Electrician is an obvious one. Someone to check for any structural damage - builder? And a painter/decorator?

I'm feeling a little more positive about things today.

[PlanB]

Re: Neighbour's continuing damage to my home

Anyway, today's news.

I also have my claims handler coming over on Tuesday, to see everything. And I've been that I should get a 'contractor' in to get a quote for repairs. Was told it's best to get one person to do everything, but I'm not really sure what needs done. Electrician is an obvious one. Someone to check for any structural damage - builder? And a painter/decorator?

I'm feeling a little more positive about things today.

That's good to hear :high5:

The claims handler may be able to recommend a contractor who can carry out all the work and the insurance company will pay them direct. That's usually how it works. Let them take control of the situation from now on :thumb:

[Madgrrl]

Re: Neighbour's continuing damage to my home

Well, she said I should look for one myself. She also said I should probably not mention it's going through my insurance as they might double the price...

[PlanB]

Re: Neighbour's continuing damage to my home

Well, she said I should look for one myself. She also said I should probably not mention it's going through my insurance as they might double the price...

Tell her you don't know any reliable contractors and ask her to recommend one for you so the insurance company can be satisfied that the problem is fixed properly once and for all so it won't happen again causing another claim

[Madgrrl]

Re: Neighbour's continuing damage to my home

Thanks - I'll ask if they can do that

[Madgrrl]

Re: Neighbour's continuing damage to my home

Hi everyone.

My letter couldn't be delivered yesterday because the neighbour was at work. The post office shuts in less than half an hour (12.30pm on Saturdays). Damn, I wish I'd asked for them to leave it with a neighbour if he wasn't in! The retired couple next door have often taken things in for him. Why didn't I think of that before.

Do you think I can phone the post office and ask that they redeliver it and if he's not in leave with these neighbours? Or is it out of my hands now? I'm going to phone and ask. Who knows when he will go to the post office to collect it.


I'm also wondering what happens if the damage is less than my £250 excess? Does it mean I'm on my own? Can I still contact my insurance's legal services to make sure he pays up?

Ahhhh. At least the sun's shining today.

[PlanB]

Re: Neighbour's continuing damage to my home

My letter couldn't be delivered yesterday because the neighbour was at work. The post office shuts in less than half an hour (12.30pm on Saturdays). . .

. . . . Do you think I can phone the post office and ask that they redeliver it and if he's not in leave with these neighbours? Or is it out of my hands now? I'm going to phone and ask. Who knows when he will go to the post office to collect it. . .

I'm also wondering what happens if the damage is less than my £250 excess? Does it mean I'm on my own? Can I still contact my insurance's legal services to make sure he pays up?

Cross each bridge as you get to it because speculating on what might happen can be stressful and a waste of emotional energy :hug: Maybe *it* won't happen. Think in terms of glass half full not glass half empty :spit:

Why not wait and see what the claims handler says on Tuesday before worrying about whether the repair will cost under £250 and cause you more problems. If you can find a tradesman who will remove and replace the damp ceiling plaster, rewire your light fitting and redecorate your bathroom for less than £250 will you give me his phone number please

Only the recipient of a Special Delivery letter can contact Royal Mail for redelivery. The postie will have left a card through the door for your neighbour to collect it from his local sorting office. You can Track & Trace progress of your letter on Royal Mail's website. Some people don't bother to collect a 'signed for' letter in case it's something nasty :fear: That's why Northampton County Court always send out summons in the regular mail.

What does your letter say which you are so keen for him to get because it may have been better to have waited to learn what the insurance company had to say first? You can always send a follow-up letter if the situation changes on Tuesday.

[Madgrrl]

Re: Neighbour's continuing damage to my home

Heh, you made me laugh! I have no idea how much it'll cost. The thing is, I can't see a huge amount of damage. There's the obvious electrics thing (lots of crusty yellow stuff at the top of the cord of my light fitting), some bubbling/streaks down my wall, streaks of water down my external door/its window, a big yellow stain on the ceiling and one half of my roller blind has come away from the window a bit showing a large hole where it should be held in place (plaster stuff has crumbled away a bit).

I didn't even think he might not want to pick it up for that reason! This is the first time I've ever had to deal with anything like this. I thought it might be more a case of "I can't be arsed". I'm so naive.

Both the lady at the council and my insurance company (or rather the legal person I spoke to) told me to send the letter so there's some kind of 'proof' of what's happened. It's basically a run down of events from the date I first discovered the leak. Very objective; facts only and no name-calling or emotional text. What happened and when, the different people that I've spoken to (CAB, legal representative etc). The fact that he has 'foreseeability' (legal rep told me to put that in). I checked the post office website and it's currently sitting at our local post office. I put a lot of effort into it! The least he could do is pick it up!

Anyway, I have the receipt and tracking number. And a copy of the letter for my insurance. So there's proof that I actually sent it, regardless of whether he deigns to collect it or not.

[PlanB]

Re: Neighbour's continuing damage to my home

I also have my claims handler coming over on Tuesday, to see everything
.

Just a quick post to wish you good luck with the meeting with your insurance company tomorrow. You don't have to agree to anything on the spot. Remember he/she represents the insurer's interests not yours and may want to wriggle out of everything. Ask the claims handler to put the assessment in writing and then we'll help you from there :grouphug:

[Madgrrl]

Re: Neighbour's continuing damage to my home

Thanks, PlanB.

The insurance lady has been and gone.

I asked about putting it in writing but she said she was just going to hear my side of things.

It was quite disappointing really

(Some of the text below is taken from an email I just sent to my dad, so apologies about different formatting etc).

I asked if I could put the damage to my bathroom (last time it happened was in November) but she said no, I should have claimed for that when it happened and it would be another £250 excess for that, and another £250 excess for the rest of the damage to my bathroom! :-0

I gave her a copy of the letter. She had me sit down and tell her everything that had happened. Felt a bit put on the spot, given that I've told them this several times on the phone.


She doesn't think the kitchen will be much. She said get a painter & decorator and electrician in to look at it. Said something about stain blocking for the ceiling.


She took some photos and held this little gadget up against the walls to measure the room. Not sure what that was for?!


My neighbour is at home today for some reason, I suggested we go up and see him but she said there is no point as he could just tell us where to go. She said they will send him a letter after the kitchen is fixed asking him or his insurance to pay up.


At this stage I'm feeling like just getting the bloody bathroom done once the kitchen's sorted and getting the hell out of here. This is never ending with this guy. I'll ask whoever comes to see the kitchen for a quote for the bathroom too. But I don't see why I should have to pay for the damage that that someone else has caused!


Oh, and they will only send him 2 letters asking him to pay up. Because it's not worth them sending more expensive letters for a small claim. So he could technically "get away with it". Lovely. And who's to say it won't happen again and again, as it has with my bathroom.


She said my insurance premiums might go up but I should phone and tell them that the damage was caused by my neighbour.

So, next step I get in a painter & decorator, and an electrician to look at the light, although she reckons that might just dry out. Then I get a quote, phone her and tell her how much it's going to be and she'll send me the money.

She said she sees this quite a lot with flats. I hate to think this man could do this again and again with no repercussions. I'm tired of it all