neighbors bodge job alteration to chimney has damaged my house and is causing leaks

[atendoftether]

Hi everybody I hope you can help me
I had a neighbour from hell for several years who did so many awful things over the years including a trellis nearly 30ft high a fence wholly on my garden and constant noisy building work among other issues. he was very agressive and intimidating so I tried to avoid confronting him as a single mum with small children at the time. I pointed out to him over 6 years ago that there was a small leak in my hallway caused by defective chimney stack, but he ignored it . In September I noticed that the small leak had become much worse and now covered the whole wall and a wall adjacent, I also noticed a "to let" sign up. As I thought that he was going to move and I wrote a letter detailing the problem, he told me that as he had removed the chimney there was no longer a problem , but viewed the damp and agreed to look into it. I subsequently found out that he had in fact sold the property and carried out the works whilst a tenant. The roof is reinstated appallingly and there is in fact a large gap where the tiles meet and he has damaged my roof . Inside my attic he has removed part of the wall and my architect (I am trying to get a loft conversion done)says that he has breached the integrity of the fire safety compartment. I had written several times to the new owner as per land registry,although I think there is something odd about their professional relationship, who had a look at the damage and sent contractors to size up the job nothing has happened since october, despite a further letter from me. I will have to go to court but should I send a final letter relating to the architects opinion, I also went up to look in the attic with the builder who could witness the wall being in good condition in June when he did the inspection,
any suggestions on how to proceed would be really welcome, bearing in mind I have a very low income and cannot afford loads of fees, also I don't have legal protection with my insurance
thanks

[hush puppy]

Re: neighbors bodge job alteration to chimney has damaged my house and is causing lea

i would off thought if you contact building control from your local council they will come out and have a look and write to your neighbour informing them of the party wall act ( good Luck )

[atendoftether]

Re: neighbors bodge job alteration to chimney has damaged my house and is causing lea

i would off thought if you contact building control from your local council they will come out and have a look and write to your neighbour informing them of the party wall act ( good Luck )

They have said its terrible but have said its a civil matter between neighbours,(an opinion well worth the 1k plus council tax, typical of my council I am afraid} also I have flagged up party wall regs to ineffectual "landlord" rather in the mould of tim NOT nice but dim both in writing and verbally. to no avail thanks for your help any other suggestions you can think of would be appreciated

[bluebottle]

Re: neighbors bodge job alteration to chimney has damaged my house and is causing lea

Have you taken photos of the damage your former neighbour from hell has caused, as well as the potential fire risk he has created? When you contacted your local authority's Building Control Department, did they come out or simply fob you off over the phone?

Also, as there is now a potential fire risk, have you asked your local fire and rescue service to come out and inspect it? You should contact them on their administration telephone number and ask to speak to a Fire Prevention Officer.

Your posts suggest you have Tim Nice But Dim as your landlord. He has to realise that if he is going to let residential property, there are certain legal requirements he has to meet, otherwise, he could find himself facing a court appearance. Not very nice for him and, possibly, a lot more expensive than dealing with the issues you have highlighted.

What situation is your home, semi-detached or terraced? If semi-detached, then there are two properties at risk in the event of a fire, but your need to speak to a Fire Prevention Officer asap. If, on the other hand, it is terraced, I would speak to a Fire Prevention Officer today if at all possible as there could be more than just your's and your neighbour's properties at risk in the event of fire.

[atendoftether]

Re: neighbors bodge job alteration to chimney has damaged my house and is causing lea

He is not my landlord but is the landlord to the terraced house next door , yes I have sent photos to the landlord I will have another go at the building control who have fobbed me off for a second time, but to be fair I didn't realise the extent of the damage initially.it might be worth getting the councillor to give them a kick.
I am sure that he is endangering his tenants but the letting agency is not bothered neither are they I imagine as they are happy to vastly overpay 1.5k per month for a 2 bed. I think that I will have to start court proceedings to get an order to force repairs, and repair the wall and water ingress damage to my house I have been warned that unless I have a surveyors report I may encounter problems but with a architects opinion and the overwhelming evidence I think is worth the risk in addition to the amazing ignorance of the landlord and the previous owner. I can't believe the level of arrogance of people, ironically I was a housing professional before and never encountered this in my job.
thank you so much for your help

Have you taken photos of the damage your former neighbour from hell has caused, as well as the potential fire risk he has created? When you contacted your local authority's Building Control Department, did they come out or simply fob you off over the phone?

Also, as there is now a potential fire risk, have you asked your local fire and rescue service to come out and inspect it? You should contact them on their administration telephone number and ask to speak to a Fire Prevention Officer.

Your posts suggest you have Tim Nice But Dim as your landlord. He has to realise that if he is going to let residential property, there are certain legal requirements he has to meet, otherwise, he could find himself facing a court appearance. Not very nice for him and, possibly, a lot more expensive than dealing with the issues you have highlighted.

What situation is your home, semi-detached or terraced? If semi-detached, then there are two properties at risk in the event of a fire, but your need to speak to a Fire Prevention Officer asap. If, on the other hand, it is terraced, I would speak to a Fire Prevention Officer today if at all possible as there could be more than just your's and your neighbour's properties at risk in the event of fire.

[bluebottle]

Re: neighbors bodge job alteration to chimney has damaged my house and is causing lea

Your local fire and rescue service could prove to be a valuable ally in any backside-kicking you may have to do. Give their Fire Prevention Department a call. If they say remedial work needs to be carried out as a matter of priority, coming from them would probably carry quite a bit of clout.