Semi-detached problem

[JohnandCaroline]

Our holiday home is semi-detached to an empty property. When we bought it, the Notaire assured us that the owner was obliged to maintain the property so it would not affect ours. The house is owned by a lady who is a care assistant and was left this property, along with others we gather, by the old lady living there. We were offered this property so we went to have a look. As she wanted a cash sale, we lost interest. It is in a 1950's timewarp ( judging by the state of the kitchen). An internal wall has fallen down due to a leak in a bathroom. It is totally uninhabitable. Our builder said it would need at least £160,000 spending on it, even the floorboards are rotten. A friend who keeps an eye on our property saw a 'manitou' in the garden the othr day and 'hearsay' has it that the staircase has fallen down. We cannot monitor the party wall as our side has been lined with plasterboard and polystyrene and covered in lovely crepi paint. However, the skirting board in the front room is rotting and needs to be replaced. I am just worried that this is indicative of an underlying problem that cannot be seen. What rights do we have and what can we do?

[Nick Trollope]

Essentially, you have the right to protect your property. A court could compel your neighbour to maintain the property so that it does not affect yours. Any damage caused by their neglect must be made good by them, etc etc.

Trouble is, you can't require them to do something about something that hasn't happened yet. So, report the matter to your insurance company and make sure that your minder makes regular visits. If anything happens, make sure you inform your insurer straight away. You may need an avocat if the neighbours don't play ball, so make sure that your "protection juridique" insurance is up to date.

 

[JohnandCaroline]

Nick

Thanks for your post concerning our absentee neighbour. We have checked our insurance and have indeed got "protection juridique" and will be contacting the insurance company, if we can verify any problems due to negligence by her.