Ground floor claiming something that's not their

dipesh010

greatcrested said:

well it's a question of diplomacy.

It's always better to resolve issues like this amicably where possible, ideally face to face as opposed to by messages, texts etc, but if that fails, then you have to take more direct action either practically (just keep moving the stuff) or legally.

Or you live with it.

I have approach her multiple times 
first she said she  will clear everything out. Now its 3-4months and I've asked for the date and she said the communal area belongs to her and I only have access right, which is not true (its share for sure). She told me she is not going to remove those boxes and told me to take her to the court (I smiled and said you don't go court for this). I been nice but she is soo wired at times. I even think she is trowing her garden waste in my garden as the rubbish is keep moving around the fence between their garden and my 

I no longer care if I store my shoe or not, I just want the whole thing to be cleared out. Each time I purchase something large I have trouble getting it inside my flat. 

I believe the first action would be to contact the freeholder? if he does not do anything (most likely he will) then make a contact with fire service? or shall I do the other way around? 

How do I involve fire service? if I understand correctly I serve my neighbour the notice via letter stating a fire service will visit the house on X date to assess communal aera-> make appointment with fire service -> show them the issue? will they check my lease as I want the whole place to be cleaned out. There are 2 top shelf (one their side, one my side) both occupied by them

Apodemus

dipesh010 said:

How do I involve fire service? if I understand correctly I serve my neighbour the notice via letter stating a fire service will visit the house on X date to assess communal aera-> make appointment with fire service -> show them the issue? will they check my lease as I want the whole place to be cleaned out. There are 2 top shelf (one their side, one my side) both occupied by them

I'd simply ask the Fire Service to do a Home Fire Safety Check - on your flat. They will see and comment on the communal area as part of that. This way you are simply getting your new property checked, not calling-out your neighbour.

2bFrank

You are being too nice here OP and it has been to your detriment. She will have fully known the doesn't own the shared hallway, as soon as she said that you needed to prove her wrong asap, otherwise in her head it will become the truth.

You need to strike now, get all the facts together and tell her she has 7 days to remove everything from the hallway, there is no chance of peace here, if she was reasonable then you could have come to a compromise pretty easy as you both could have had space for storage, but if you give an inch she will take a mile. If she says take her to court, just say I dont have too, leaseholder will do that, its going to cost you a lot and follow through, literally immediately, the longer you leave it, the longer in her head she things shes right and the harder it will be.

In all honesty though, if its a shared hallway, and there isnt much CCTV, I would just get a few mates and clear it out when shes gone, if shes stupid enough to leave possessions in a shared hallway then its her own fault.

2bFrank

Actually reading that last part back, it does sound like im encouraging stealing, thinking about it, please dont take that to heart. I would have done it by now, but im not the nicest of people. Maybe keep it as a last resort, remember if there is a fire then its your life on the line here trying to squeeze out of a 30 degree gap. 

HampshireH

You don't need to give your neighbour notice. Just arrange a home visit as advised above.

Your local fire service will have a website you can usually follow the links to the relevant email or phone number

deannagone

I would be very tempted to throw the boxes out too.  But probably best to get Fire safety inspection done, let them speak to her.  If they stay there, throw them out.  She can take you to court as she so wisely says (and won't over a few boxes).

Jeepers_Creepers

Tempting tho' it is, don't throw anything out!

Tsk, what are you lot like!

Sheeeesh - advocating such deplorable behaviour!!

No, leave it all there. Just trample over it the next time you carry something through.

Jeepers_Creepers

2bFrank, this is a Freeholder matter. If you haven't contacted them, do so - now.

The fire service approach is a great idea too.

Double-whammy?

No advance notice - just do it. You want them to receive a slap on the wrist - they have earned it by not responding to your reasonable approach.

Once sorted, maintain your smiling reasonableness - say 'hello' every time, nice friendly smile. They need to know where they stand with you - that you are fair and reasonable, but will not be mucked about.

Oh, and tidy up your garden for heaven's sakes... So it's obvious if someone is throwing anything in there... :-) If they are, fit a discrete camera aimed from an upstairs window to catch them.

Apodemus

Any time I've lived in accommodation with a shared hallway, there has been an expectation that I take my turn in cleaning the communal area.  In your position, I might be tempted to use a lot of water when scrubbing it down...

dipesh010

Apodemus said:

I'd simply ask the Fire Service to do a Home Fire Safety Check - on your flat. They will see and comment on the communal area as part of that. This way you are simply getting your new property checked, not calling-out your neighbour.  

Thanks for the advice. I will book my visit with these people
https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/the-home/book-a-home-fire-safety-visit/

Am I correct to say if they find something wrong (related to the communal area). They'll ask people down stairs to remove those boxes on the same day and have it clean while they're on site? (they are also blocking the electrical meter cupboard with their shoes and hanging their ambrela next to it so plenty of safety hazards)  
What if they don't remove those boxes once the fire safety inspectors leave?  I guess I make another appointment?

This house was built 100 years ago and they can hear us talking and walking from the top floor. She keeps repeating this issue and I have nothing new to add as I hear the same from their floor. I told her she need to stop complaining and start managing. Each time I have my friend or family visiting me she starts knocking on my door asking to 'keep it down' (and we talk at a normal voice- not shouting). Even when watching TV or playing music she complains to keep it down etc.. Can she complaining about me to the council stating I am making a lot of noise? but then its not my fault as the house is old. I mean I have no problem them making noise as I fully understand the issue here.