Access to property

[SimSI]

Hi all - Were in a bit of a pickle, one of our rental properties is experiencing terrible damp and associated stench coming up through the kithcen floor, we have contacted the builder and the NHBC people as the house is still within its ten year cover and after extensive investigation it appears that the problem is coming from a pipe in a neighbouring property. The neighbour will not let the builder/damp specialist into the property to carry out further investigation and hopefully stop the problem. There are a few problems arising from this, the health issues for our tenants and possible loss of occupancy, the water damage to our property, the cover expires in Feb so then they will accept no liability if this goes on until then (hopefully not!!!!), If the problem is the neighbours then is it up to them to fix it? Would they have to start a new claim? How can we enforce a right of entry to gain access to their kitchen floor? The neighbour is not responding to any correspondance and will not even answer the door any more.... this has been going on for several months now...... If any one can help it would be much appreciated.... thanks

 

[deniser]

Is yours a terraced house with the pipe being under the house adjoining?

 

[SimSI]

Yeah its a terraced property and we have had cctv down all accessible drains and have pinpointed its origin as far as we can go within our property...

 

[UKSBD]

From this October responsibility for drains in shared properties passes over to the Utilities company.
Wait until then and get them to sort it

nice video here,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azy1xpFd4Ok

 

[SimSI]

Even if its pipes under the property coming from a mains pipe? Surely that is covered by the builder who put them there in the first place? The people involved havne't mentioned anything about the utility company - plus I don't want to wait until October as the tenants are a family with young children and sometimes have to vacate the property when the smell is that bad..... ??

 

[SimSI]

All we need is accecss to the neighboring properties kitchen

 

[deniser]

I would advise that you go and see a solicitor.

Makes your wonder what is down there and why they are so reluctant to let you in......

 

[Jeff FV]

From this October responsibility for drains in shared properties passes over to the Utilities company.
Wait until then and get them to sort it

nice video here,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azy1xpFd4Ok

Thanks for that - a useful video that takes about a minute to explain the changes. A little bit of knowledge worth knowing!

 

[UKSBD]

Thanks for that - a useful video that takes about a minute to explain the changes. A little bit of knowledge worth knowing!

Yes, they have a number of good videos, on their youtube channel,
http://www.youtube.com/user/NorthumbrianWaterLtd