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Original poster

Neighbour not removing scaffolding or reply to my messages

19 replies

Sundaycoffee · 05/09/2023 19:00

I live in a ground floor maisonette and the landlord for the upstairs flat has recently erected scaffolding outside the property to fix some damaged render above the window on her flat (first floor)
Relations are slightly strained as she was originally insisting I needed to pay half of the damage. I looked into this and after a lot of backwards and forwards (per the lease ) told her it was not my responsibility, as did our management agency. She was annoyed, but went ahead with the work telling me she was going to look into it further and will charge me my half later if need be. The work went ahead and she told me the scaffolding was set to be removed 2 weeks ago.
It still sits in my front garden so I can't mow my lawn and I'm fed up of looking at it outside my front room window.
I have text her 3 times in the past week and called once and have heard nothing back. I suspect she's ignoring me on purpose after I fought back about giving her half the money.
I don't know what company put up the scaffolding either and our management agency are absolutely useless too.
Is there anything I can do to get this removed? How long is it reasonable for scaffolding to stay up after work has been completed?

OP posts:
Mummysatthebodyshop · 05/09/2023 19:08

You know she probably wants it down as much as you do. Scaffolding companies have a nack of leaving it up for as long as they can get away with

Alycidon · 05/09/2023 19:10

I was going to say the same thing - we had to chase about 5 times to get ours taken down. It's not a priority once the job is done.

VerityRoss · 05/09/2023 19:10

Bloody forever!! They basically leave it up until they have another job in the area and then unexpectedly show up and it’s gone.

Original poster
Sundaycoffee · 05/09/2023 19:12

So the answer is just to wait indefinitely?

OP posts:
Original poster
Sundaycoffee · 05/09/2023 19:13

I wouldn't be so bothered if there was communication. I even said I would be happy to chase the company if she can give me the details but nothing back at all

OP posts:
Alycidon · 05/09/2023 19:14

Sundaycoffee · 05/09/2023 19:12

So the answer is just to wait indefinitely?

You'll probably have to - it's not really within your neighbour's control.

itsallnewnow · 05/09/2023 19:15

Sundaycoffee · 05/09/2023 19:12

So the answer is just to wait indefinitely?

Yep we had the same at our house it's a nightmare!! What ever else has gone on this part is probably not your neighbours fault!

Dartmoorcheffy · 05/09/2023 19:17

Is there no advert on the scaffolding for the company. There usually is. Or have a look at the scaffold poles as they often have some identification on them.

Talltall · 05/09/2023 19:22

@Sundaycoffee

if they can get away with taking it down and going straight to another job, versus take it down take it to their premises then take to another job it saves them money and time.

hassle is the only way.

notamlly there are ownership stickers on it.

amylou8 · 05/09/2023 19:27

They'll use you as free storage until they've got somewhere else the scaffolding needs to be.

GrumpyPanda · 05/09/2023 19:39

Charge her rent for her blocking your front garden? Since it's no longer needed for maintenance.

GU24Mum · 05/09/2023 19:39

It's annoying........... but....... definitely very little your neighbour can do and not necessarily that much the builder can do. Scaffolders are a bit of a law unto themselves and work to their own timings.

Efacsen · 05/09/2023 19:53

I threatened to sell the scaffolding that was being 'stored' on the back of my house for 7 months

And they came to remove it within 24 hours - maybe a co-incidence? IDK

Alycidon · 05/09/2023 19:56

Efacsen · 05/09/2023 19:53

I threatened to sell the scaffolding that was being 'stored' on the back of my house for 7 months

And they came to remove it within 24 hours - maybe a co-incidence? IDK

OP, sell it on eBay and practise looking baffled for when they eventually turn up to collect it Grin

ohboohoo · 05/09/2023 19:59

If you can find the name on the scaffolding tell them it's been dumped on your land and you will sell it they'll collect it pretty quickly

SpanishSummer · 05/09/2023 20:22

Could you dismantle it? If not list it on eBay and send the link to the company (should be stickers on it somewhere).

DaughterNo2 · 05/09/2023 20:44

As in, it’s still erected or lying in pieces on your lawn?

AshRJ · 05/09/2023 22:26

I’d play the game and think of a reason to let them know why it needs to be removed.

A friend called the company and told them she was pregnant and having a toddler party and by her insurance she’d been informed that the scaffolding company would be liable for any injuries if she’d informed them of the dangers to not only the children but to herself. But it was also likely that they’d be liable even without proof if the work had been done and they hadn’t taken the necessary steps to make the area safe again by removing it.

Amusingly enough they told her they’d collect within 24 hours and they did so.

KievLoverTwo · 05/09/2023 23:01

Go and knock on her door. Tell her they have seven days before you start calling scrap metal collectors.

Then there's no electronic trail.

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