Chimney falling down - Party wall act?

[petergriffen]

Hi.

Advice please:

I own a three storey Edwardian property, however, the property next door is only a two storey. Due to the way it was constructed, the next door chimney runs up the side of my property, from 2nd floor, to 3rd floor, and above the ridge of my roof. The chimney is for his sole use as our fire place (and chimey) is at the other end of the property

However, the neighbour chimney is starting to lean, and is pulling the lead work from my roof, and water is pouring into the top floor. The wall, and ceiling are full of damp.

I called the local council, who came and stated that although it is his chimey, it comes under the party wall act, and that I have to pay atleast half for the repairs. The neighbour is not interested at all, and has no insurance - so Im stuck.

The work needs to be done as the rooms on the 3rd floor cannot be used currently.

Any advice?

 

[spraggo]

However owns the neighbours property is bound by law under the "Party Wall Act" to pay half the cost of repairs, I would suggest your first step would be to get advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau.