Neighbouring property problem, Any Lawyers on here?

[diggerman]

I have an elderly neighbour who has no family and she owns here own home, the home itself is in disrepair as it has not been maintained for a very long time including the garden and she refuses any help with the home or garden and is happy to leave it as it is.
The rest of the house in the neighbourhood are well kept and her home sticks out like a sore thumb.
I live next door to her and our house is up for sale and the state of her home is deterring potential buyers who have remarked about the property.
I was looking through the covenants in my property deeds and it says "Nothing shall be done or suffered upon the said premises which shall be a nuisance annoyance or danger to the vendor or to the owners or occupiers of any adjoining or neighbouring property"
With the above sentence do you think I would be able to force her by law to tidy up her property?

[andrea1]

Hi, I just watched a programme on tv last night, relating to your problem, amongst others' so it might help you. It was the tonight programme on itv and was called "EMPTY HOUSE SYNDROME". You can watch it online at itv.com/tonight . I hope this helps and good luck!
Kind Regards
Andrea :0)

[Ethel]

Who is going to enforce the covenant though, assuming her deeds say the same thing? They are usually put in place by the builders who have long since gone, and couldn't care less if they are still around.

Is the house in a dangerous state? Is there danger of collapse, or rat infestation? Are there any structural problems that are causing problems to the physical structure of your property?

An eyesore is not really a nuisance or annoyance - it means noise and that sort of thing.

[paraffin]

Hi diggerman:

"she refuses any help" : Do you say that because her house has always been "in a state" ? Have you ever broached the subject and had a proper in-depth conversation with her about your concerns? Unless your neighbour is hostile and "unapproachable", actually engaging her in a civilised and non-aggressive manner may just do the trick.

You have other options open to you:
Contact your local 1. Citizens Advice Bureau. 2. Environmental Health Dept.

Try the informal approach first. Good luck.