Has any landlord had this experience or could share advice please. We have a 1930s semi detached property which we rent. Recently the adjoining property was sold after the previous owner died. An opportunistic contact arose and I introduced myself to the new owner. To put it mildly he was immediately confrontational, aggressive and non engaging.
The problem I now have is that its possible that the lead on the roof /shared roof valley is leaking. My tenants pointed out to a stain patch on a wall in a bedroom whilst I was completing a property inspection. I am receptive to the tenants and the need to check this out and repair if needed. Acknowledging the non engagement how best can I proceed? Can I just go ahead and get a repair done? What I also acknowledge is that the same repair was required at a similar property and the adjoining neighbour too was evasive but not aggressive and I paid the lot!! How do you get a neighbour to share responsibility and costs?
assume you have not been up on the roof? Probably lead . There are some great flexible rubber compounds that can be coated over all the cleaned up lead. If un co op next door just do it
This is somewhat contradictory- if they didnt engage how could they also be confrontational and aggressive.
(Maybe they had a survey and know there is a problem)
Anyway you dont know if the damage is the valley or some slipped or damaged tiles on your side (say). Or a downpipe/guttering hopper that is blocked and overflowing (i had this recently at a property i own)
Get some roofers to look up close and diagnose what the problem is and estimate repair cost. Get at least 3 quotes. Then if its the valley or o n your side just get it fixed. Thats the priority as its causing damage to your property. Whether you can recover part of the cost from the neighbours… its like any neighbour dispute for a party wall repair. Difficult to force a neighbour to pay unless there’s evidence its their responsibility etc and taking legal action against neighbours is never stress free - you are going to have to live nect d oor ti them afterwards. So unless a large amount maybe not worth it.
Good luck
Getting a neighbour to contribute to roof repairs can be tricky, especially if the damage originates from a shared structure like a party wall. The most effective route depends on whether the damage is isolated to your side or affects both properties, and whether your neighbour owns or rents their home.
Identify the Cause and Responsibility
Shared/Party Wall: If the repair involves a party wall (e.g., a shared chimney stack or the structure dividing terraced or semi-detached homes), your neighbour is legally required to contribute under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. [1, 2, 3]
Private Property: If the roof is entirely on your side and the damage isn’t their fault, they are not legally obligated to pay, even if the repair benefits them. [1]
Communicate Clearly
Start a Conversation: Speak to your neighbour casually to explain the situation before taking formal steps.
Provide Evidence: Gather proof of the damage (like photos) and written quotes from reputable roofing contractors to show that the work is necessary.
Take Formal Action
Serve a Party Wall Notice: If the work falls under the Party Wall Act, you must serve a formal notice to your neighbour. You can find templates on the GOV.UK Party Wall Guidance page.
Mediation: If your neighbour refuses to pay for shared repairs, consider using a local mediation service to avoid a costly legal dispute.
Check Insurance: Your home insurance provider might be able to help cover the costs if the damage was caused by a sudden event (like a severe storm) or if the neighbour’s property directly caused the issue.
All the info you have is a mark on an internal wall in a first floor bedroom. Get a Roofer with a drone to get it up close and take photos and to give a quote. Then 2 others give quotes/opinion of damge / solution. Best.
Many thanks for all your advice. Previous experience, the 1930’s shared valley lead had aged and cracked. Very much suspect the same. We’ll get the roofer up there and make sure I have evidence.