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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To not want to pay for neighbours roof?

33 replies

Edgeofthedesert · 22/08/2017 21:31

Have a shared freehold and we all pay x amount per year for the service charge.

Neighbour wants to use a majority of the money to pay for her leaky roof to be fixed.

I really don't want to. The service charge is a struggle to pay for myself (increased since I moved in) and I just feel it's unfair to use pretty much the whole amount for that.

She also said that her roof was fixed once before but the same builders who fixed it then put scaffolding on it and broke it again and yet didn't bloody complain at the time

Aibu?

OP posts:

Musicaltheatremum · 22/08/2017 21:35

Not used to freehold as Scottish but what does the contract/legal document say about who is responsible for the roof? This should be the guide as to who should pay.

Believeitornot · 22/08/2017 21:36

The roof is part of the whole building. So it's not hers. So you need to pay if it needs fixing.

edwinbear · 22/08/2017 21:38

It's not her roof though. It's all of your rooves and if it carries on leaking will do enormous amounts of damage to the entire building.

Justwondering1 · 22/08/2017 21:40

You can call it "her roof" as much as you like but if it's defined as part of the building structure in your freehold then it's the financial responsibility of all the freeholders regardless of whether her home happens to be underneath it.

Bluntness100 · 22/08/2017 21:41

I agree it's not her roof, it's all of your roof and this is what the money is for.

ForeverLivingMyArse · 22/08/2017 21:42

Are you in block of flats?

WillowWeeping · 22/08/2017 21:45

It's not her roof - this is exactly what the fund should pay for

Witsender · 22/08/2017 21:58

Depends on the set up. But I would assume that that is exactly what the service charge is for...what does it say in the paperwork?

StaplesCorner · 22/08/2017 22:01

OP can you explain are you in flats or a row of houses, give us some more to go on please?

NotMyPenguin · 22/08/2017 22:04

Sorry what others have said it's part of the structure of the building and you are all jointly responsible. It would be the same if it was a structural issue that just showed in your flat. Maybe you should discuss what you would do if other big issues arose and the money currently in the kitty had been spent. Clarity is key to avoiding misunderstandings in situations like this. Check whether there's any document outlining how you will decide service charges, prioritise spending, etc. If there isn't, think about coming to some kind of agreement together.

5rivers7hills · 22/08/2017 22:05

It's not 'her roof' you numpty. It's a jointly owned roof. Why did you buy a flat with SOF if you didn't understand the concequences?

Wormulonian · 22/08/2017 22:06

Check the freehold documents. I used to live in a basement flat but had to pay a share of repairs to the roof, guttering etc. when needed.

Slimthistime · 22/08/2017 22:08

I think you mean you pay a charge which includes repairs, not just service charge?

The roof will be classed as common parts so yes, your contribution to repair funds should go towards the roof. Unless the contracts state that only homeowners directly below the roof pay, but that woukd be extraordinary.

SoosanCarter · 22/08/2017 22:10

You have to pay your share of the repairs, it's irrelevant that the roof is not directly over your head. You should have been aware of this before you bought your flat. Don't be so entitled.

Slimthistime · 22/08/2017 22:10

PS if the builders damaged the roof with scaffold they should pay for that

But share of freehold means you all have to share freehold responsibility. Obvs

caffeinestream · 22/08/2017 22:11

Um I don't think you have much of a choice!

CreamCheeseBrownies · 22/08/2017 22:13

Can you explain the set up of the flats/houses? Is it not your roof because you're on a lower floor, or because you are under a non-leaky part of the same roof, or because you have your own separate roof?

TakeMe2Insanity · 22/08/2017 22:14

Its not her roof. Its the whole building's roof. It protects your flat too.

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 22/08/2017 22:15

Some of the comments are a bit harsh! We live in a maisonette (no service charge and no SOF) and I have no idea who is responsible for the roof as it doesn't actually state it in the lease. It states useless things like how often we're supposed to paint around the windows and what paint we should use but nothing useful!

Original poster

Edgeofthedesert · 22/08/2017 22:17

The flats are a converted house but her flat is off to the side (has its own entrance), it's an entension of the house kind of like a bungalow. She has quoted us quite a few thousand to get it repaired. Doesn't leave money for much else.

OP posts:

Original poster

Edgeofthedesert · 22/08/2017 22:18

Its not her roof. Its the whole building's roof. It protects your flat too

It definitely doesn't protect my flat.

OP posts:

SnowBallsAreHere · 22/08/2017 22:19

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

DJBaggySmalls · 22/08/2017 22:21

If the builders broke the roof she should claim against them.

lunar1 · 22/08/2017 22:21

If it's classed as one building then it needs to be repaired. It would be complete madness to leave a leaking roof.

PoppyJ1 · 22/08/2017 22:26

Even if you feel it doesn't protect your roof, if it isn't fixed properly it can still affect the structural integrity of the whole building. If it gets damp that can spread, etc...

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