Can they use my roof??

partygirl_3

My neighbour has builders in doing a loft conversion. The dormar window takes up the whole width of his roof so the workmen have been using my roof in order to access the side and back. At times I had 3 men walking back and forth, and although I've complained I've been told they have to use my roof to get the work done. My neighbour says any damage will be put right but as a woman alone, I wouldn't know if my roof was damaged until it leaked or tiles fell off and by then he may say it's not his problem.

Shouldn't they have protected my roof with boards or something? All I've heard is the crunch of my tiles! Any advice??

SuzySu

What's happened to good old fashioned manners? I think at the very least they should have spoken to you before all this started and explained what the problem was and ASKED YOUR PERMISSION. I take it you own your property (although you don't say).

I would certainly be up there with my camera documenting all the evidence I can. It may not amount to much but at least they will know that you are concerned and are collecting evidence.

Is this not trespassing? I would take some advice and quick before they finish this job and you don't see them again.

WillowCat

Did the neighbour serve a party wall notice on you?

I'm not sure, but I think most, if not all, loft conversions on attached properties would fall under the party wall act, and you should have had a surveyor inspect your property before (and after) the conversion (at your neighbours expense) to check for any damage.

tbs624

If they are doing a loft conversion that involves cutting into a wall to take beams etc then AFAIAA you should have been given notice of the proposed works under the Party Wall Act, with the proviso that a surveyor (paid for by them) would ascertain the condition of your roof etc prior to their building work, in case of damage claims from you after the event. Did this happen?

IMO you are also perfectly within your rights to inform them in writing that they may only go onto your roof with your permission & using the appropriate boarding. The “right” to access a neighbour’s land or building is sometimes specifically mentioned in your deeds but can only be enforced by court order and is generally for repair and maintenance of the existing structure not necessarily for extension/new work.

I appreciate what you say about being female and on your own but it is your home and you maybe need to be assertive with this one if it is giving you cause for concern. It would probably be best to put it in writing to both the builder and your neighbour & to keep a copy. You can put in the letter something along the lines of “ I’ve mentioned to you/Bob the builder that I am concerned about possible damage to my property. Would you please note that, whilst I have no wish to cause delay to your building work, this is a formal request that when using my roof your builders must ……..………… I do hope that you will work with me on this issue so that it doesn’t become necessary for me withdraw my permission for access.” Do you have a colleague, friend or relative who might give you some moral support? As the poster above says also take your own photos of what’s happening with the building works, just in case.

PasturesNew

No they can't use your roof.
He would have had to ask/get your permission to do that.

And everything else everybody above said.