Neighbour's Dormer Roof Possibly Leaking into our attic but neighbour won't pay HELP!

SuperMum2008

I posted here a while ago, explaining that our dormer attic window is shared with the neighbour's dormer attic window, i.e.they are joined together under one roof. Our neighbout uses the attic as an attic. We use ours as a converted bedroom. However, rainwater has leaked under the flat room and caused the ceiling in that part of our attic to collapse and the room cannot be used (so daughter has had to move into her sisters room and is not happy!). We have had numerous quotes for work, and have been told the whole roof will need to be replaced as it is no good drawing an imaginary line down the centre and repairing only half the roof as her half is actually in a far worse condition than ours, it's just that the water has founds its way through our ceiling. Problem is our neighbour has refused to pay anything towards this as she says her roof isnt leaking, but replacement of the whole roof is going to mean repairing ridge tiles on her side also, and we are going to end up with a bill of about £1200, half of which is for the repair of her side and her ridge tiles. We are going to have to borrow money from family to deal with this, but we are very upset and angry that our neighbour is refusing to co-operate. Does anyone know where we stand legally re this? Thankyou for your help!

stephen_v

I would suggest this is the same as a "party wall" where each owner on each side of the wall is leagally obliged to pay half for the fix. I've just had a parapet wall on my roof mended and my neighbour paid half , no quibbles. I suggets you ask a solicitor. it may cost £50-100 for a consultation but you'll get a result one way or the other. Or try citizens advice .

markelock

agree with stephen v. It's unfortunate, but necessary.

first of all make sure you have exhausted all avenues with your neighbour. explaining everything, maybe even write her a nice letter, being clear about the problem, get something in writing from an expert backing this up.

If it can be proved that it's coming in from her roof, you can claim from her insurance. repair your own side plus just enough of hers, therefore limiting your expenditure whilst making sure you are protected from the elements.

would be a shame to cause unnecessary confrontation, things like that have to be declared when you come to sell your house. of course if she sells before you, it doesn't matter!

I don't have any time for my neighbours (sound a bit like yours to be honest) so I sympathise. Best to do it nicely though, if you try your best, and it does end up in court, you'll have a much better chance of winning.

LandyAndy

SuperMum2008 wrote: »

I posted here a while ago, explaining that our dormer attic window is shared with the neighbour's dormer attic window, i.e.they are joined together under one roof. Our neighbout uses the attic as an attic. We use ours as a converted bedroom. However, rainwater has leaked under the flat room and caused the ceiling in that part of our attic to collapse and the room cannot be used (so daughter has had to move into her sisters room and is not happy!). We have had numerous quotes for work, and have been told the whole roof will need to be replaced as it is no good drawing an imaginary line down the centre and repairing only half the roof as her half is actually in a far worse condition than ours, it's just that the water has founds its way through our ceiling. Problem is our neighbour has refused to pay anything towards this as she says her roof isnt leaking, but replacement of the whole roof is going to mean repairing ridge tiles on her side also, and we are going to end up with a bill of about £1200, half of which is for the repair of her side and her ridge tiles. We are going to have to borrow money from family to deal with this, but we are very upset and angry that our neighbour is refusing to co-operate. Does anyone know where we stand legally re this? Thankyou for your help!

Why is this not covered by your insurance?

SuperMum2008

Landy Andy - aparently because it is a flat roof that is old, and it is wear and tear not an actual event that is causing the problem. I know it sounds mad - couldnt believe it when we found out.