Damp coming from empty property next door

simpywimpy

My rental property is next door (terraced) to an empty house and Im positive the damp in the bathroom on the adjoining wall is coming from there. WE had a similar problem in the lounge about 4yrs ago but they renovated the property and all was fine.

Its now been empty for some considerable time, well over a year I would guess at.

Ive found the owner details on land registry and plan to write to them detailing the damage but what's the best way to ensure this is sorted quickly?

eddddy

I guess it depends how aggressive you want to be at the outset.

Once you've informed the owner of the problem, if they don't take 'reasonable steps' to fix it, you can make a negligence claim for any further damage.

If they still don't do anything, you can take out a court order instructing them to get it fixed.

So you can threaten them with the above, if you wish, or you can just politely inform them of the problem, as a first step.

System

eddddy wrote: »

I guess it depends how aggressive you want to be at the outset.

Once you've informed the owner of the problem, if they don't take 'reasonable steps' to fix it, you can make a negligence claim for any further damage.

If they still don't do anything, you can take out a court order instructing them to get it fixed.

So you can threaten them with the above, if you wish, or you can just politely inform them of the problem, as a first step.

All assuming that you can prove that the problem IS caused by their property

simpywimpy

Ive written today detailing the problem and asking for access to see where the damp is coming from as Im concerned its coming through the wall. I also detailed their roof isnt in the best of condition too.

Hopefully they get back to me quickly and at least let me look next door before I start the repairs. I just dont want to spend a fortune again only to find the problem was theirs really.

simpywimpy

Well, Im presuming they got the letter because the overgrown bush disappeared 24hrs later however, ive not heard a thing from them personally. Whats the best thing to do, just instruct a builder and get their opinion whether the damage is their fault?

anselld

Damp on the party wall is most likely caused by roof leak at the firewall. Have you had the roof firewall checked? It is possible you need to have the firewall re flashed. This can be done jointly with next door (preferably) however you could have the top and your side done which should confine any water ingress to their side of the cavity.

Sarahspangles

Is it possible that the wall in the bathroom is cold because the property is unheated, and that it is causing more condensation? I'm not sure that you'll get any sense from the owner - presumably they are already paying Council Tax because it's empty.

[Deleted User]

Find and contact the empty homes officer at your local council offices. It would take you out of the picture. If you give them alll the information you have found, it will speed things up considerably. The empty homes officer has a lot more clout than you do.

simpywimpy

Im not sure what their council tax position is. I'm disappointed they haven't bothered getting in touch, if only to say they checked and it's ok their end.