Problem neighbour. Need help badly.

amber1979

I'm not sure if this is the most appropriate board, so apologies.

I need help. I own my flat. The flat upstairs is tenanted. I have suffered water damage due to faulty plumbing in the upstairs flat several times. Once, it ran into thousands.

Today, I noticed that it had started again. I put a note through the upstairs door asking him to get it fixed.

He came down and banged on my door. Then, he started screaming abuse at me. Calling me every name under the sun. I didn't get a word in edgeways. I shut the door at that point as I was terrified (still shaking).

I've never had contact with the landlord, despite my best efforts.

Help?

CKhalvashi

You need to find out who the owner is, using Land Registry (cost is £3)

He may be best to help you, as presumably his property is insured.

CK

amber1979

I should've said, I do know the names of the owners of the upstairs flat (got them by the method above), but have no way to contact them. I do know that they are related to the tenant though.

jamie11

Are you sure it's faulty plumbing? Could it be caused by carelessness with a shower curtain or similar?

You should be able to make a claim from your insurance, it is up to them then to chase the owner/tenant of the flat for reimbursement.

Or

Assess the damage and sue the landlord/tenant for your costs.

Just saw this,

I do know the names of the owners of the upstairs flat

Since you know the name join both parties in any action you take

Werdnal

Are the flats leasehold? Is there a management company/Freeholder?

If the water is coming through the ceiling, it is causing damage to the structure of the building and you should report this to the freeholder and get them to take action on the leaseholder of the flat upstairs.

I assume the names you have as the owners lists their address as the flat upstairs, which is why you cannot get hold of them?

amber1979

The land register does list the address as the flat upstairs. No idea what to do from here, apart from live in a damp flat! The last leak was caused by a faulty washing machine and it took weeks to get to him to stop it. I can't live like this!

missile

Contact your insurer, let them argue with your neighbour's LL. Next time he / she is abusive contact the police.

Unfortunately disputes with neighbours are difficult to resolve and it may be easier to move home.

xylophone

it may be easier to move home.

And how easy would OP find it to sell with an anti-social neighbour and a dispute to declare?

freeisgood

Sorry you are going though such stress with a bad neighbour.

I would make a note somewhere of what he said to you and when. That is really abusive behaviour! It is worth reporting it?

pinkshoes

Why didn't you ask speak to the neighbour rather than posting a note?

I'd now send (in the post - sent with proof of postage) a letter addressed to the landlord notifying him of the damage, asking to get the problem fixed, and asking for insurance details to pay for the damage. Give 14 days to respond. If you don't get a response, send a letter letter before action.

amber1979

I tried to speak to him in person. I knocked on the door, I could see he was in and he refused to answer.