Housing Association Want to Split Repair Cost

harryhoudini

Hi there,

Quick question regarding housing associations asking to split repair costs.

I own my house, we moved in about a year ago and we live next door to a house that is owned by Aster which is a housing association. Today a man from Aster knocked at our house and told my wife that there is a problem with the roof between our house and the house next door (We are the end terrace house), they went into the garden and he pointed out where the roof is damaged and as he put it, 'on the brink of collapsing'.

He told her that the easiest way to resolve this is that they would pay for all the scaffolding needed to fix the issue but we would need to split the cost of the repairs and repairs need to be done starting next Wednesday.

I haven't had a chance to look at the roof yet as it's dark so will have a look tomorrow, but as far as I can tell our side of the house has no issues. I have been into out loft and the roof is still there and showing no signs of caving in

If there is actually a problem with the roof, they are obviously going to have to repair this for their tenants. My question is whether we are also liable to chip in with the repairs? As far as I'm concerned until there is a tangible problem I'm not too bothered and not too keen on splitting the bill because they reckon there is an issue.

Does anyone know if I am in some way legally obliged to split the costs? Or could this be a tactic by housing associations to get people to split the cost of repairs in order to save costs?

Any help would be massively appreciated as I have no idea where to start on this. They are going to call me on Monday to discuss beginning the works so any help before then would be massively appreciated.

Thanks, everyone!

:money:

Cakeguts

Is your property freehold?

harryhoudini

Yep, it's freehold.

G_M

* Assuming your property is semi-detached or terraced Ie joind to next door, and
* asuming there is a problem with the roof, and
* assuming the problem is with the party wall (the 'shared wall') or party roof, or party chimney, then

* yes, you are jointly responsible for the cost of repairs, and yes you
* can be forced (via the courts is necessary) to contribute to the cost

However from your post it is not clear if there IS a problem, or what the problem is (if it exists).

The obvious course of action is for you to verify te claim that there is a proble, and where/what it is.

Get 2 or 3 roofers to go up and look, diagnose any issue, and give you quotes.

You will then be in a position to repsond to the Housing Asociation.


The Party Wall Act is also relevant:


https://www.gov.uk/guidance/party-wall-etc-act-1996-guidance

[Deleted User]

First thing monday morning, I'd be phoning the housing association to ask if they have actually authorised this work. It could be a con.

I'd also be asking why the HA did not approach you earlier so you could assess damage/your liability properly. Surveyors aren't normally available to come round the next working day.

Then I'd be getting a builder/surveyor round very very quickly to look at my roof and if possible, the neighbours roof.

I'd explore the idea of getting experts in before the work started (ask for a delay for the work to start, they may actually cause damage).

G_M

deannatrois wrote: »

First thing monday morning, I'd be phoning the housing association to ask if they have actually authorised this work. It could be a con.

I'd also be asking why the HA did not approach you earlier so you could assess damage/your liability properly. Surveyors aren't normally available to come round the next working day.

Then I'd be getting a builder/surveyor round very very quickly to look at my roof and if possible, the neighbours roof.

I'd explore the idea of getting experts in before the work started (ask for a delay for the work to start, they may actually cause damage).

Agree with all the above.
Plus read up on the PWA over the weekend and when speaking to the HA on Monday, mention it.

osc89er

You may also not want to get the work done at (inflated) housing association/local authority rates if you can avoid it...