cowboy builders next door

[librarylady]

The man next door has gutted his house, and left it (we are terraced )and he has knocked out the glass in one of the back windows and just boarded it up. Last winter we got really cold and our bedroom grew mould on the walls, we have spoken to him, but he has been promising us he would finish for over 2 years! WE have not seen any building regs inspectors, nor recieved any notices under the party wall act, and has left a big pile of rubbish and bags of building material in the garden in full view for three years. He is aggressive and has threatened two elderly ladies who also live next door- what can we do?

[shehin]

Have you tried contacting your local council? 

I'm not sure what they could do to help but they might be able to offer some advice.

[clairelb]

Additionally, many surveyors will give free advice over the phone.  It's worth phoning them, particularly where the Party Wall Act is concerned.  If this Act should have come into force, you can hire the surveyor at the cost of your neighbour.  If you're already on less than good terms then you've not really a lot to lose have you?

[Lindylou]

Would it be worth speaking to your Council's Environmental Health Officer?  They may be able to force the owner of the property to do whatever is necessary to make it safe.  If the owner won't, then they have the power to get the work done and then have the bill for the work sent to the owner.