Neighbour help!!
Discussion
Today a friend went up into my loft to see why the overflow from the water tank was leaking. When we opened the loft hatch we were overpowered by the smell of smoke! It turns out that next door (terrace of 3) have an open fire and it seems to be leaking into my house. After going round and telling them they were not very receptive and basically said that no-one has ever mentioned it before. I only moved in last Wednesday (but have owned house for 16 years-it has been rented). Where do I stand on this? Whose responsibility is it? Help!
You really need to get all the flues inspected - and to know the layout of the flues to see why smoke is getting into your house from theirs.
Try asking a good local sweep - see if they have a camera that they can put up. At the very least they can do a smoke bomb test.
You'll need your neighbours assistance because their flue also needs checking. If they are reluctant then get down to the solicitor - they are potentially risking fires in the attic and gas poisoning of yourselves.
I know that sounds extreme - but I dont know how bad the smoke is.
You might want to do a quick run by your deeds and the party wall act - google for the pyramus and thisbe club for a good source of info
Try asking a good local sweep - see if they have a camera that they can put up. At the very least they can do a smoke bomb test.
You'll need your neighbours assistance because their flue also needs checking. If they are reluctant then get down to the solicitor - they are potentially risking fires in the attic and gas poisoning of yourselves.
I know that sounds extreme - but I dont know how bad the smoke is.
You might want to do a quick run by your deeds and the party wall act - google for the pyramus and thisbe club for a good source of info
They need to get this fixed before they use the fire again. Regardless, whether anyone has mentioned it before or not. Not a Party Wall issue unless the required repairs go beyond routine maintenance - ie re-pointing or sweeping the flue. If the stack needs re-building then it would fall under the Party Wall Act.
As you have no rights of access to the neighbours house then getting a chimney sweep round is a waste of their time unless the neighbour agrees to provide access.
I'd knock on the door tonight and ask them what they have done about getting the flue checked. If they say 'nothing' then ask them what they plan to do about it. If they reply 'nothing' or start banging on about how they can't afford too then say to them that they can't use the fire until it is fixed. Back this up with 'If you do use the fire, then I'll have to call Environmental Health, the local Fire Officer and Building Control.'
There's no reason for this to be confrontational or for it to turn nasty. But remember, their pumping noxious gases into your loft when they have a fire.
As you have no rights of access to the neighbours house then getting a chimney sweep round is a waste of their time unless the neighbour agrees to provide access.
I'd knock on the door tonight and ask them what they have done about getting the flue checked. If they say 'nothing' then ask them what they plan to do about it. If they reply 'nothing' or start banging on about how they can't afford too then say to them that they can't use the fire until it is fixed. Back this up with 'If you do use the fire, then I'll have to call Environmental Health, the local Fire Officer and Building Control.'
There's no reason for this to be confrontational or for it to turn nasty. But remember, their pumping noxious gases into your loft when they have a fire.
Edited by mk1fan on Wednesday 10th June 12:36
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