shared path with council house

[JRmumma]

I live in a house that shares a porch and path with a council house and we own our house. The path is knackered and needs re-surfacing.

Does anyone know what the arrangement would be in regards to who is responsible for the path? I know that someone in the same situation had their path re-done by the council and were not charged anything, but this may have been a fluke. If, for example, my neighbour complained about the path and they did it, could they bill me for half the work? Or if i was to call the council would they just say that I, as the homeowner was responsible for getting it done?

The deeds of the house (not sure if they're called that any more) should indicate who is responsible for what. Is your house ex-LA? If so, there was probably something written into the agreement when it was first sold off. Having owned a lease on a flat that shared a building with a council-owned flat, the LA would not lift a finger unless the council tenant asked for a repair - I would then get a hefty bill afterwards . I'd be tempted to repair it myself - it will be cheaper and you'll probably get a better job done than the morons the council subcontracts to.

Thanks lala, ill check the old deeds, i have a copy of the original ones when it was sold off. But it doesn't even say which fence is ours do not holding out much hope that they will clarify the situation.

We are freehold though so im not sure that the LA could just do work and then charge us for it like they can on leasehold flats.

You're right that it would be less straightforward - are you part of an estate and, if so, do you pay fees for the upkeep of the communal areas (green spaces, parking bays etc)? Is there an estate manager you can speak to about it? (I still contend that you would be better off doing it yourself )

No, not an estate and we don't have to pay for anything like that.

Id just get it done to be honest but we really cant afford it at the moment. Saying that, ive no idea how much it would actually cost.

It's difficult to say, in that case . Perhaps if the deeds don't shed any light on the matter, post in legal - they've got people who are used to boundary issues etc on there.

Thanks. I'm also considering chatting up the workmen that are currently re-laying the pavements down our street to do it! Long shot but worth an ask, they can only say no

Well i was thinking tea and biscuits might work! Hopefully i wont have to audition for Confessions of a tarmac layer '!

If hot beverages don't work i think ill leave it....