Changes to the access route for two properties

[chriswood36]

I own a flat where the front door (only access point to the flat) is on first floor level. The only way to get to my front door is via a metal stair case that leads to a raised platform area. My front door and the front door of a neighbouring flat is accessable from this raised plaform. The staircase and platform solely give access to our two front doors and nothing else.
Recently the tennants of the neighbouring flat (i own my flat where as they just rent) have errected a gate at the top of the staircase. The gate encloses the raised platform area. The reason for the gate was to allow their large dog to roam free between their flat and the raised platform. This often happens, as when they are in, the front door to their flat is left open.
This has caused some problems as the dog is hostile to anyone walking up the stairs to approach both flats.
I did not agree to the errection of the gate. The stair case is the only access route to our two front doors, and only leads to our two front doors.

Can i just pull the gate down?

Thanks in advance for your response.

[tildakovach]

dear chriswood
i would not!
1) tallk to them about it
2) talk to owner
3) ask lawyer for free advice (they usually give half hour free! surprise surprise!) get name from aletting agent - they always have problems to solve;
4) citizen advice bureau a;lso could be strarting point
good luck! i'd also feed the dog! will soften his attitude!!!

[Mr Veritas]

As tildakovach says,I would resisit the tempation to pull the gate down,
This would only escalate the problems,and they will know that any further actions will have been started by you.

If the errection of this gate has caused a fire hazard to yourself (I am not sure from your description if it HAS) then I would contact (anonymously) the Fire Safety Officer for your area and see what he/she says.
If it's a fire hazard they will instruct the other flat owner to remove it.
Apart from (and as well as) this,I would try and contact the Landlord of the other flat (I presume it's the Leaseholder?)
If no joy there,then you could contact the Freeholder(or Management Company,if there is one) to see what the other flats Lease say about sub letting.
Good Luck.