problems with upstairs tenants

soccermom

Hi, I am writing this on behalf of a friend who owns a downstairs flat and the people above are renting.

My friend has been there about a year and has had done quite a bit of renovation work the ceiling especially cost quite a bit to refurbish. Anyway about 10 weeks ago upstairs had a leak and had it has done considerable damage to my friends ceiling.

She has spoken to them and the estate agent who is managing the property and nothing is being done to rectify the matter the agents keep putting her off telling her to wait to see if it happens again (dish washer leaked they think) it hasn't happen again but there is no doubt the leak has come from above. My friend has had it checked.

Does my friend have any rights to have the damage repaired the management company do not seem to want to deal with her . She has has been on the phone again today and once again they just tell her to wait and see. How long is she supposed to wait. Is it worth referring to the ombudsman they are a member.

Thanks for any help.

G_M

Stop phoning. Write.

Get quotes for repairing the ceiling.

Do you know who the owner (leaseholder) of the upstairs flat is (ie the tenants' landlord)? Write to him, with a copy to the agent and a copy to the freeholder, enclosing a copy of your quote, saying you want the repairs paid for and an undertaiking before you do the repairs that the underlying problem has been fixed so there will not be a repeat.

If you don't know the leaseholder's address
* ask the tenants
* ask the agents
* download the lease Title from the Land Registry (£3) here

Or contact the freeholder/managing agent for the building and make a claim on the buildings insuranne. the insurers may well claim off the leaseholder upstairs.

soccermom

Thank you so much for the help. I am seeing her tomorrow so will show her this. She doesnt know the landlord and their is no building as such its just up and downstairs.

Much appreciated.