My Nightmare Neighbour! Where do I stand re obligations legally???

OptimisticSaver

patchwork_cat wrote: »

Did the previous owner tell you about the problems? Personally if any neighbour disputes ever came out during sale I would pull out like a shot, so as I say be careful.

I have invited neighbours in for drinks etc. in ana attempt to calm situations, but it doesn't always work, probably wouldn't here. I would do as others suggest re insurance and tackle her when you are ready - possibly with back up - are your parents nearby? Perhaps they could be with you when you tell her what you have found out re insurance etc.

Hi, Yes my parents are around the corner but they are not 100% with legal issues and may get defensive on my behalf which wouldnt help!

I have a flat mate who can sit in on the conversation but pls bear in mind that when she called me a Fing W i asked her to reconsider her words.

Based on Jenny's comments and feedback I have had from insurance co (have contacted freehold management co who have referred me to the police and said they do not resolve internal issues) I am likely to end up in a sitation where she claims (has to up her premiums) and cannot claim it off my insurance because home insurance doesnt work like that. In that case, she will resolve the damage at the cost of her premiums increasing and thats the end of it. I actually thought this was how it worked (maybe niavely) because when my property is damaged by a leak in the roof I won't be able to, say, pass the costs onto the freeholder. Rather, I claim repairs on my insurance and report that the leak to the freeholder to repair. Does that make sense?? Feel like Im in a huge grey area here.. should I talk to a solicitor??

mrcow

Many insurance companies will only increase your renewal premium if you've had two claims or more in the past 5 years. I've claimed on home insurance plenty of times for different issues and have never had an increased premium because of it.

It's all about shopping around (as you know if you're MSE)


Besides which - its what you buy insurance for! There's no point having it if you're not going to use the thing!

OptimisticSaver

Yes totally agree mrcow.. I will get police involved (at least report it) and take it from there.

hoggums

She deserves a good kicking up her leaky back passage.

woody01

A 'Dripping Back Passage' is not good.........

OptimisticSaver

Can you imagine trying to keep a straight face when she mentions that in her angst?

maryotuam

Once police are involved you will be obliged to inform any potential buyers of your problems with this woman. IT might mean you have trouble selling and will be stuck there forever so think twice about getting this neighbour dispute made official!

It might even be worth gritting your teeth and apologising to her for all the hassle she has undergone to try and calm her enough to get her to listen to you. If you can persuade her to talk to her insurance company everything might be taken out of both of your hands.

Just think of her as a sick mentally unhinged person and patronise her rather than taking the verbal abuse personally. Maybe she grew up being verbally abused and knows no better.

OptimisticSaver

Thanks Maryotaum.. I have tried to go down the route of insurance companies but she is adament to no thave this impact her premiums. I don't really feel I have much choice given her hostile behaviour....

OptimisticSaver

JACKBLACK wrote: »

Well said. I have to say my sympathy lies with the neighbour:o You don't really wont to get into a protracted dispute with any neighbour as it may effect the value of your property when you try to sell imho

I think I would have more sympathy if I hadn't been called a F***ing wh*r* and had my her banging on my door demanding I pay. Surely she has insurance for a reason and had she wanted to resolve outside of insurance, then it really was in her interest to behave in a civilised manner rather than shout in my face and slam the door on me. The fact that I feel threatened in my own home will make me reluctant to pay out of my own pocket to the screams of a bully.

I will let her know that I intend to report her behaviour to the police and she can take the decision from there.

OptimisticSaver

JACKBLACK wrote: »

Sorry optimistic saver I think you would annoy me too. You seem to have very little sympathy for your poor neighbour's plight and rather than trying to rectify the problems you have caused her/him seem intent on getting posters to give you sympathy.

I think you are very much in the wrong here. If you damage someone's property you should put it right one way or the other.

If you continue on the path you seem committed to, you will never be able to sell this flat.

Hi Jack Black
Surely the correct thing to do for her is to claim it against her insurance co who will claim it against mine? I was very much sympathetic to my neighbour for the damage that has happened but I didnt cause it:
1) intentionally or
2) through negligence. I'm actually looking for advice rather than sympathy so please feel free to leave some knowledge here..

When I tried to deal with it by getting her to contact her insurance co - she went ballistic. I think that if someone personally insults your character it becomes incredibly difficult to sympathise with them thereafter, however, I have remained civil rather than biting back.

I'm not a perfect person - maybe I haven't dealt with this in the best way. I have come here because I don't know the solution and am asking for advice, not to be criticised and judged. I have corrected all problems in my flat when and have asked her to contact her insurance co. By paying for this out of my own pocket, I admit liabillity which potentially could create further legal issues.

I think the action I have taken has been more than reasonable and legal.

Thanks for the comments regarding re-selling but I have no intention of selling my flat. I am happy to hold onto it until I pay off the entire mortgage which hopefully I wil be able to acheive one day (fingers crossed).. Neighbour or no neighbour..