Hi all
Wonder if anyone has knowledge of what is reasonable/legal in this situation.
Difficult neighbours - more than ten years of general hostility and awkwardness, so we have no inclination to be helpful.
They need (and have the right) to access our property to reach their gutters. Turned up unannounced demanding access immediately on the day a couple of months back (demanding, not asking - rude!) so we refused - it was the middle of a working day and they disturbed us during WFH multiple times through the day despite us saying no the first time and making them aware that we were working. No discussion beyond that since.
Now they have informed us they want access, with seven days notice. Which is more reasonable.
However there are two issues:
- To access the area needed, a large greenhouse would need to be moved
- We work Mon -Fri and can’t take annual leave on a few days notice
So in regard to 1) above, would they need to arrange dismantling, moving, re-erecting at their cost? And should we ask for evidence of insurance from their workmen to cover any damage, before allowing access? Are we required to allow them to dismantle it at all?
And in regards to 2) above, can we reasonably ask either that the work is scheduled for a weekend or evening? If not, can we reasonably ask for a longer notice period to allow one of us to book time off work? Should we expect to be compensated for the time taken, as we would need to oversee the workmen throughout to ensure there is no damage.
The relationship is already appalling so preserving any semblance of cooperation isn’t relevant - they commenced hostilities within weeks of us moving in, so we don’t feel at all bad if we are seen as ‘difficult’ now that they need us to cooperate with them. Indeed it might make them reflect on their historic behaviour - though I doubt it!
Thank you!