What to do about filthy neighbours

[Riddlediddle]

Hey
So last year we moved house and bought a nice house in a quiet family area which is perfect for our son. When we bought we noticed that the joined house (it's a semi) was a little overgrown but it wasn't a major concern. A year later and both their front and back gardens are like a bloody jungle covered in huge brambles and weeds that constantly creep onto our gardens and are completely inaccessible and unusable to them. They have a small patio area that is covered in hundreds of fag butts from their constant smoking. They still have Xmas decs all in their front window and all bags of rubbish piled up in their porch at the front door. It's frankly disgusting and they have a young daughter who lives there living in goodness knows what inside (we can hear she's up until 1am every single night while they are playing loud rave tunes but that's another story!).
The couple living there are approx mid 20s and are very mouthy and confrontational so not people I could approach to have a reasonable conversation with. I decided to look on land registry and have purchased a document that shows it is in fact a rented property (which we suspected as no-one could treat their own property so badly). AIBU to contact the landlord directly about this? If you are a landlord how would you feel about your property being in such a state? All opinions welcome please

[Mercurial123]

I'd have to disagree with you about homeowners not neglecting their homes of course they do. My parents lived opposite a house which looked like a building site for years and also had a knackered caravan. Nobody facing the house could sell their property. Anyway, what's your plan to find the landlord maybe he doesn't care as long as he gets the rent.

[Riddlediddle]

My plan to contact the landlord is to make them aware if they aren't already and hopefully push them to at least tidy it up. Person ally if I was a landlord I would not be happy about one of my properties being in such a state

[blaaake]

If I was their landlord I'd definitely want to know. However, I carry out inspections of my properties so they would never get into such a grim state.

[Riddlediddle]

I am really worried about a rat infestation. The jungle gardens and bin bags full of food would be heaven for them

[Babdoc]

I would definitely contact the landlord. You have reasonable grounds for complaint about his tenants on several issues, particularly noise and the encroachment of weeds and brambles into your garden. He should inspect the property and rectify as required. If you get no joy from him, you can contact the council about the noisy rave music at least.

[HyacinthsBucket70]

I'd phone Social Services and report them for neglect. That poor kid must be living in absolute squalor. I'd say that's your best bet.

[Riddlediddle]

I've noticed on a few occasions when looking out my back window upstairs which overlooks their 'garden/jungle and patio area that their daughter (about 3 yrs old) is running around naked on the patio by herself at 11pm and picking up fag butts and putting them in her mouth. I saw her drinking from a filthy puddle on top of their small bin once. The woman doesn't work and the few times I've been at home in the week I've seen she just sits in a broken office chair in her dressing gown on the patio smoking all day and chatting (with expletives) on her phone all day while the girl entertains herself. Also being at home all day everyday makes me wonder how on earth the house can be in such a state. I work full time and would never allow my home to be so disgusting. I don't know why but today has been the straw that broke the camel's back for me

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

I think you should report her to Social Services - a child drinking dirty water from a bin, and eating cigarette butts is a neglected child, IMO.

[Riddlediddle]

My dp is worried about any repercussions of contacting the landlord or ss. With the type of people they are they could really make our lives hell. Plus it would be obvious that it's us that have done it

[mrscraig]

I mean this kindly ....but that reasoning is what enables people to get away with neglect. Do you have other neighbours? It could be anyone reporting if it is that awful. Children's services are very discreet and it would be confidential.
I work in safeguarding and this would cause me huge concern. That child is at risk.

[mrscraig]

Also, just wanted to express sympathy at how horrid it must be to live next door to that. I would hate it too.

[Riddlediddle]

Thanks Mrs Craig. All the other neighbours have been here for years and we are new and are joined to them so we would stick out like a sore thumb. Really need to have a serious think about this but I completely understand what you are saying!

[ThatsPoker]

We had a similar issue, but not as extreme. My semi detached house, the adjoining house is derelict, and the garden is literally like a jungle - it wasn't touched since we bought this house, which was over a year and we suspected foxes were nesting there.
I reported to the council and after a visit by them (looking over my fence) they sent letters instructing the owner to clear it - and she did!

I would very suggest reporting to the council, which you can do online and they will enforce a clean up. Hope this helps.

[ApolloandDaphne]

I am a social worker and i have to say it sounds like that child is living in an unsuitable home environment. You need to call the LL but also i would call the NSPCC and pass on your concerns for the child. They are very good at keeping things confidential and they know exactly who to pass on concerns to.

[SofiaAmes]

If you are truly worried about the child's safety, then please report to SS. The reports are anonymous.

[Tinkobell]

Hi - i think this is a terrible situation but you have to blow the whistle on the care of the little girl via social services. The fact of the matter is that kids like her are all too often these days not reported and found dead through neglect. That would be on your conscious I'm afraid and torture you forever.
Contact the social. Say you are concerned they will be nasty and you want police protection.
The landlord will invariably evict and the rest, which frankly is less serious but horrible will be sorted.
Pack your own case and if needed be ready to bolt temporarily. I would.

[dontforgettofloss]

I'm sure the landlord would be discreet when following up any complaint you make- I'm guessing there isn't regular inspections if the house is in such a state, and he/she could say they were doing an inspection, which wouldn't make the neighbours think you'd reported them.

[Littlefish]

Please phone the NSPCC or children's services. I can't believe you're more worried about an overgrown garden than the welfare of a very young child.

[DartmoorDoughnut]

Pls report them, that poor child living here needs a grown up to stand up for her!

[DragonsAndCakes]

I would phone SS but leave the landlord for now if you’re worried it’ll be obvious that it’s you.

[ChocolatePeacock]

Ummm... I mean this as kindly as possible but, WTAF! You are fussing about the garden and rubbish buns and there could be a child in danger less than a meter away from your front door!
Sort yourself our lovely! Bugger calling the landlord, call the NSPCC! Now!!

[ChocolatePeacock]

Bins and Metre, obviously!

[Jayfee]

Report the conditions and child details anonymously. I phoned my daughter's school once and refused to give my name as I was worried about something, so either phone, dont give your name but make sure they write stuff down or just type out a detailed report and post it to the person in charge of social services and perhaps a copy to nspcc too. I think I would do the latter.god luck

[Riddlediddle]

Yea I know what you're all saying is right. I hate this whole situation it leaves me feeling sick with worry

[specialsubject]

first , look on rightmove and see if it was let through an agent. if so, write to them (anonymously if you like) telling them that the property is being wrecked and they are neighbours from hell,and that the landlord must be in fomed. and yes, the landlord will want to know. the agent may just chuck the letter so if no joy, use the landlords address.

be aware that eviction takes many months. next up is probably drugs so dont wait. tenant eviction timescales are not speeded up by filth or crime.

if you think the child is at risk, and it sounds like it, then social services need to know.