Neighbour has damaged my gas supply

[narkyspirit]

For context I live in a small block of 4 flats.

neighbour downstairs is replacing screed in 2nd bedroom as DIY job. Yesterday he has damaged a gas pipe which, is the gas pipe feeding my upstairs apartment.

fire brigade attended due to fire and had to break into my garage to isolate gas supply.

I’m away until later today, told neighbour that he must leave his car in front of garage up against door to stop access due to number of high value items in garage.

neighbour says he will pay for garage door, I am also going to make him pay for the security measures I’ve purchased to make the door secure, until the new one is installed.

the gas pipe however is going to cost him a fortune as there can’t be any joins in the screed.

am I unreasonable to expect him to get the gas rectified within 7 days as currently disconnected. Likely that the pipe will need to touted externally now from the front of the building to the back.

I would get in touch with your gas supplier about this as I assume there will be all sorts of legal ramifications.

I would also see if you have any legal expenses cover via insurance, union membership etc.

But any losses will probably be met by your home insurance who will then seek to reciver the costs from your neighbour so get in touch with them to see what they can help with eg making the garage secure

Get legal device asap. I don't think the fire brigade should have left your property unsecured, esp since this isn't a problem of your making and they know you aren't at home. Contact your house insurance company today too.

Get legal advice. I would expect the gas to be back on with 24 hours can't live without hot water. His own stupid fault.

Insurance!! His ideally, maybe yours.
But, yes, id want a pretty quick fix to what, presumably, has left you with limited heating, hot water and cooking capability.

Who is the freeholder? I expect the gas pipe would be their remit rather than yours.

Good point

Basically especially as its a Friday try everything ie freeholder, gas company & house insurance NOW!!

You may want to contact your actual GDN - Gas Distribution Network - first, rather than your supplier. They're the ones responsible for pipes/safety/damage etc.

You need to ring your insurer as if you are going to be without gas for several days they may pay for alternative accommodation for you and securing the garage then it will be for them to take it up with your neighbour's insurance (if he has any).

It's understandable you are distressed but I don't think you can demand he fixes within 7 days as it just may not be possible.

OP, any updates?

I was working in the west counrty today and didn't get home until 7Pm, straight to see the downstairs neighbour to see what had happened, he's immediately on the offensive!! not his fault why why my gas supply buried in the floor of his flat? its illegal he proclaims. its your pipe so your issue! but I'll pay for the garage door replacement, err its your reffing fault! cut through a unidentified pipe with a angle grinder, surprised he didn't die!

as he is on the offensive, Monday will involve building insurance, contents insurance along with building control.

as far as he is concerned its my fault as its my gas pipe and my problem to fix!

as he is offering to repair garage door that is a admission of liability so lets bring it on!!!

Inspector of Lunatics?

Call your insurance company and they'll advise you and deal directly with his insurers for you.

Wow!!

Does he have freeholder permission for adjusting the building fabric?

Cutting into a concrete floor in a flat is possibly a beach of the lease. You need the freeholder involved.