Issues with neighbour's landlord

clumsy1974

Hi,
I don't want this to sound like a rant against DSS tenants or benefits etc, so please don't see it like that..

I have an issue with my neighbours, who are DSS tenants. There seems to be something strange going on with the comings and goings there, which makes me suspect benefit fruad, but that's a side issue. The main issue is the upkeep of the property. Several other people in the street have spoken to him, as we have his address via the land registry, but he's not interested. There are several points I want to get sorted.

He has guttering on the house that is not capped properly, and it's discharging onto our wall. The front of the house is looking messy, with a battered UPVC door, kicked to bits by his tenant in fit of rage. The garden is a toxic waste dump of rubbish, and the rear aspect is pretty horrible. The street is a Victorian Terrace, and it's generally tidy. There are a fair few private rentals, with a mix of DSS and totally private, so I am not sure why these people and this landlord are like this. But the main problem is - I have no idea how to deal with it, and my house, being attached to this is going to be worth less - what's more I won't be able to lie about them - they are a nightmare.

Any advice on how we can compel the landlord to tidy it up, or even the DSS to take action would be really appreciated.

clumsy1974

I should say that people have talked to the landlord, not the tenants, as they seem to change week by week, ushered in by some guy who lives a few streets away.. as I said, dodgy..

mcjordi

personally he sounds as tho he wont help in anyway.. get on to the environmental heath unit at the council.. they can serve notice on him to clean up.

J_J_Carter

Bear in mind as soon you go to the Council you'll need to disclose a dispute if you want to sell.

macman

You can't complain about a battered front door or general tattiness. However if the garden is a health hazard (encouraging rats and vermin etc) then you can contact environmental health.
Re the leaking guttering, you should write RD to the landlord and advise that you will be seeking damages through the small claims process for the damage caused and the cost of remedying it-give him 28 days to resolve the issue, if not proceed with your claim.