What to do about filthy neighbours

[Riddlediddle]

Hey
So last year we moved house and bought a nice house in a quiet family area which is perfect for our son. When we bought we noticed that the joined house (it's a semi) was a little overgrown but it wasn't a major concern. A year later and both their front and back gardens are like a bloody jungle covered in huge brambles and weeds that constantly creep onto our gardens and are completely inaccessible and unusable to them. They have a small patio area that is covered in hundreds of fag butts from their constant smoking. They still have Xmas decs all in their front window and all bags of rubbish piled up in their porch at the front door. It's frankly disgusting and they have a young daughter who lives there living in goodness knows what inside (we can hear she's up until 1am every single night while they are playing loud rave tunes but that's another story!).
The couple living there are approx mid 20s and are very mouthy and confrontational so not people I could approach to have a reasonable conversation with. I decided to look on land registry and have purchased a document that shows it is in fact a rented property (which we suspected as no-one could treat their own property so badly). AIBU to contact the landlord directly about this? If you are a landlord how would you feel about your property being in such a state? All opinions welcome please

You could contact the council if they have rubbish rotting it could be a cause for environmental health. I would also contact the landlord and if you think the child isn't being looked after properly, or is living in an unfit environment call social services.

I don’t really understand why you think the child is neglected (or rather not OP, who didn’t indicate that- but the other posters who read her post?) SS don’t dictate how people live unless it’s specifically neglectful (no bed for example) seems a bit odd to jump to that?

I wouldn’t tell the landlord. I don’t really like those double standards and this is exactly what keeps renters as second class citizens.

However, you should phone the council immediately on Tuesday and let them deal with it. They can then take over the assessment and informing of other parties, be that the landlord or SS. But they’re the experts.

And if they don’t update you within say 14 days keep going back to them

A child naked, licking puddles of water, out late at night is a sign of something very very serious. Someone said the NSPCC....that's a great idea. Do be brave. So sorry for the situation you find yourselves in.

I totally missed your 16.27 post, sorry. Still think council is best bet

Thanks for your replies everybody. I feel more comfortable talking to the nspcc rather than social services in the first instance just to anonymously talk the situation through with them.

they are filthy, loud and neglecting a child. fortunately they are renters which means they can be thrown on the streets where they belong - eventually. (although I doubt they would keep up a mor tgage)

the child will hopefully be removed.

I know mn is gullible and thinks landlords deserve a kicking, which this one is getting with a wrecked house. remember only the landlord can evict so he needs to know. bet you landlord haters would think different if you lived next door!

Grubby house doesn't always equal child neglect. But it sounds like it might in this case so def contact NSPCC. And you should contact Council, we had neighbours who kept bin bags in their garden and attracted lots of rats... The council ordered them to sort it

Your neighbours may be having health problems (including mental health or addiction) making it hard for them to look after the house and little girl properly. And the social services can be very good at supporting them, which may mean better looked after child, house etc and better neighbours for you.

We recently didn’t buy a house we loved because of a neighbouring house. We are currently renting and keep our place immaculate so your assumptions re that aren’t true. You could speak to the council or the landlord or letting agent if you know who it is.

It's unbelievable that you're worrying about the state of the garden when that poor little girl is having to drink water from puddles?! What is wrong with you? Call social services NOW! Or give me the address and I'll bloody do it.

The poor child! Please contact SS or NSPCC if only for the child.

You will be kicking yourself forever if something happens to this child and you did nothing. I would contact Social Services and of course it’s confidential! I don’t understand why you are so relevant. I wouldn’t be surprised if they are not already known to SS.

Grubby house doesn't always equal child neglect

Grubby houses maybe not but the op described the house as filthy. Bringing children up in filthy houses is neglectful.

I’d speak to environmental health and probably social services too.

Please please report this to social services.

Yes definitely report to social services. What are you waiting for? That little girl needs you to do this. Think how awful her life must be. You have the power to do something about it. Please pick up the phone and make the call. You know it’s the right thing to do?

Of course she is going to worry about back lash, she has bought her home not just renting it!
If her neighbours gets wind it was her then she will be putting her family at risk!
People like her neighbours are vicious and spiteful and will make her life a living hell and her Childrens.
Ring NSPCC explain your concerns and let them deal with it!

Yogeybear89 that's exactly it. They're horrible people and I am scared of what the backlash could be. I have a d's who is my world and the thought of putting him at risk in anyway petrifies me. I do understand exactly what you are all saying and I will chat through with the nspcc. When unread threads like this previously I always thought it was clear cut that the op should report to social services, but once this is your own situation and your life and family at risk then it takes some serious serious thought

Please report she is just about young enough that she may be salvageable for her future life.

also report to landlord and ask for discreetness and encourage a visit.

I think speaking to thr nspcc is a good idea.

I'm not sure about the landlord to be honest. Because it's very rare for one not to inspect their propety, as such I'd assume they knew, and I'd worry they tell the couple you complained to them,

I would call the nspcc or the ss based on the fact that the house is filthy but not because the child is dr bling from puddles . We take great pride in keeping the house and patio clean and tidy but no matter what I do , Ds (2) will start stripping his Clothes off and drinking from puddles ( I usually watch him playing from where I am in the kitchen or outside but at this point I rush in saying ds don't drink that it's dirty water . I sometimes wonder what my neighbours think!

I hope you will call somebody to help this poor child. Sounds like they are unlucky enough to be born into poverty and neglect.
YOU can do something to help them.
Please do.