burst pipe in neighbour's house - advice please

[saadia]

I know it's a long shot but I'm hoping someone can advise my friend what to do. She lives in a terraced house and one day noticed that her kitchen wall, attached to her neighbour's wall was damp. Suspecting a leaking pipe she called a plumber and after investigating it turned out that her neighbour had a leaking pipe which was affecting her walls.

Despite several attempts to get the neighbour to sort it out, over three weeks, he still hasn't got it fixed, although his insurance company is involved.

Friend's dh has visited neighbour's house several times and has said that the kitchen walls and worktops are wet and tiles coming off but the neighbour is really dragging his feet and not taking this seriously. Friend's insurance are also involved but I'm just wondering if there is anything friend can do to sort it out as it is obviously a big worry.

bump

Move out saying that they cannot live in the house anymore as damp is causing a respiratory problem and get solicitor to write letter saying that they are going to charge the man for the cost of a hotel!!

Keep hassling the neighbour is the only option imho

Thanks Twinkie and Theblonde for your help.

They will keep hassling the guy. Moving out would be v difficult for them I think although if the situation persists they may have to take that drastic step. I was just wondering if there was any legal option they could follow, eg solicitor's letter. I may actually suggest that they get legal advice. The insurance companies are not a great help either unfortunately.

Wouldn't it be best/quickest to report it to the water authority? With threat of hose pipe bans, and all the news about not enough rainfall, wouldn't it be something they would act quickly on, by getting the water stopped at the neighbour's house or instructing the neighbour that they have to get it fixed within so many days?

Just a thought.

They should get their solicitor to write a letter pointing out that serious losses are resulting from their negligence. Any work required to put things right later will be at their expense/insurers. The insurers should then get on to it really quickly as they will be paying at the end of the day.