We have just had our house renovated including a small basement (not under house but loud and annoying nonetheless). The works were properly approved and went through all party wall procedures without problems. Our neighbours, most of whom we'd known for years) were very gracious about the disruption and inconvenience we were about to inflict upon them.
After we moved out however, and the building works were underway, a new tenants (a couple) moved into one of the 3 flats next door. They had not been informed by their landlord that building works were due and were horrified to find our renovations in advance progress when they finally moved in.
The tenants were expecting a baby and had been hoping for peace and quiet in a family neighbourhood. Both tenants joined forces with their landlord to try and get us to pay them £50 a week for each week of the build to compensate for the noise and dust associated with our building works. This amounts to about £1500.
We have refused (for several reasons not least principle) but they have not let up. They have threatened legal action which we have urged them to seek but they never do - just periodically call/ email/turn up on our doorstep to harangue us.
Once the tenant threatened to make my 'kids' life a misery through seeing their mother arguing in the streets'. We have tried to remain temperate and civil throughout whatever they throw at us.
We do not know what to do. If we seek legal advice it will cost money - God knows how much. If we pay them money to go away, they may keep demanding more (say for example for stress) or the other tenants in the block might get wind of it and begin making their own demands.
Any tips Mumsnet?
PS No other neighbour has complained about our works. Several of them have complimented our builders and subsequently employed them to do other jobs. I have good relations with all the other neighbours including those adjoining our property for many years.