Damp+ tight neighbour

[rabu]

Hi, we have some damp, quite badly coming down from the chimney stack, after being cheaked by 2 brickies both said the stack does need rebuilding and 90% of the damp is caused by the half of the stack from next door. After speaking to next door she said "oh i dont know about having it done, i dont really like paying" we just spent £2500 on having the entire house decorated (didnt know about damp till 2 months later) and dont want it ruined by damp coming down the wall because she next door wont have it fixed. Is the something that can be done to sort of force her next door to have it fixed? since she doesnt have a valid reason not to have it done, just donest want to pay. any advise welcome. thanks.

 

[joinerjohn]

I'd have thought that if your having problems with damp coming from the half of the stack next door, then she would be having the same problems (if not worse) , on her side. The builders, could be trying it on. Get a few more reputable builders or a roofer in to have a look. You might well have a problem with the flashing around the chimney stack, rather than the stack itself.
Ask neighbours if they have had building work done in the past few years to get recommendations for builders. Word of mouth is usually better than trawling through Yell.com etc etc.

 

[rabu]

she does have problems on her side, but never has any work done on her house, even the fence at the back (on her side) fell down years ago and never been replaced. Both times the brickies (1 a mate of mine) have been up iv gone up on roof with them, the flashings are fine, but the there are a few cracked bricks and the mortar has gone, as in that you can push a finger trowel right through the brick work.

 

[ajrobb]

Given that falling chimneys can be fatal, I suspect there is a legal duty to maintain them. I'd start with a chat to the LA Building Control dept to see what your options are.

Perhaps mention to your neighbour that you are worried about your houses being declared unihabitable due to a dangerous chimney. Then show her some quotes for having it fixed. Point out this might be much cheaper than the 'alternatives'.

If your neighbour has a mortgage, the lenders own the house and require the buyers maintain it. The land registry will tell you if a bank owns it. If you catch a flying pig to the bank, maybe they'll agree to split the costs with you.