I have bought the biggest nightmare of a house. I have discovered that amongst other things the back of the house has very high ground levels which but up against a wall which sit directly next to the entire rear wall of the house. The wall has acted as a wick drawing the moisture into the brickwork and through into the house. The house was cement rendered and damp proofed leading to massively high levels of humidity. To counter this I am having a ventilation system installed as I know the walls are soaked and will take years to dry but I still have to deal with the back wall.
It has been suggested that I dig a trench at the back of the house to make space between the ground and the wall but this is actually my neighbours garden. My house only has front facing windows and backs directly out into my neighbours garden. The offending wall being the only divide. I am pretty sure I would not be able to remove the wall or afford to do it but digging a trench and inserting a drain might ease the problem. I am hoping the neighbours will be agreeable if I have the job done well but what if they won't let me, do I have any rights? Is there anyone I can contact to find out just so I know where I stand?
Any help or advice appreciated.