Unable to Contact Owners of a derelict neighbouring property

techmanx

this might not be the right forum, but unsure where should i post such issue

I live in a midterraced pre war house, the property on the left is vacant and has been for some time.
The present owners live somewhere else and it is not their primary residance. they inherited the property.

The property has fallen into disrepair, apart from garden which is in absolute shambles, thick weed running across, rats scurrying around holes, the party wall has started to damp.

it has damaged paint on my side and leaving a big patch at front & back of the property which refuses to go. The wall, after a professional damp protection company was called in to inspect, seem very wet.

The neighbouring property's roof is also damaged and suspect water running down in bedroom wall on their and causing dampness on my side. the professional damp expert checked loft/roof in my property and found no leakage.

i have found the address of the current owner and have written several recorded letters, knocked on the door of the property,dropped leaflets for them to speak to me or contact me.

so far these attempts have gone in vain, appears that the owners do not wish to talk or contact me. i spoke to council and they are saying they couldn't help in the private property/

where do i go now, do i need to hire a lawyer or can i legally send a notice? Council have refused to get involve

ic

I'd have thought your buildings insurance would kick in now, or perhaps any legal cover you have on your property?

macman

If there are rats and other health issues involved then the council most certainly do have to get involved. Have you tried contacting your local councillor?

gmgmgm

Are you sure you have the right address and they do still live there? If the place is close by, it would seem easiest to simply wait outside on a morning and talk to them then. You should also be able to find their phone number without too much trouble.

Blakey1982

Local council should pick this up (dont expect any quick resolution though) but as you said they dont want to get involved.

I would speak to citizens advice and your buildings insurance company as a next step

27col

I thought that there was some newish legislation that enabled Councils to take over and renovate abandoned/ derelict properties and then use them to reduce housing lists. Does anyone know about this.

SailorSam

Here is a similar case to yours in Swansea, and the council got involved and sorted it out.
UK Legal News

dampdaveski

Speak to your local Environmental health department, the owners of this adjoining property have allowed it to cause a 'statutory nuisance' (think that's the expression). The local environmental dept have the power to serve an enforcement notice on the owners, if they subsequently ignore it, the council could ultimately serve a compulsory purchase order on the property and tart it up etc etc
hope this helps
DD

rosekitten

Definatly Enviremental Health Dept
its surprising what they can achieve.

techmanx

thanks all for replies, the owner lives 1/2 hr drive from my place, i have went around to that address, but no one answered the door, i have dropped a handwritten note into the letter box,
my next step would be environment health department. i'll keep you posted