Do I contact the council over neighbours house

[Fish the Mod]

I have a neighbour I know live alones with her ten year old son, I suspect the husband left two years ago. I have never asked but I see him come and go every now and then. They moved in ten years ago and seemed a nice couple.

Because I work shifts, I always take in parcels for them (local delivery companies know that!) and since the husband has gone I have noticed the house which was clean well decorated etc has come to look like a slum. Last year I asked if she was redecorating and she said yes but she never has. Yesterday I delivered a parcel from Amazon and the house has got worse. Once I helped carry a box up to her bedroom and I almost shouted out ‘my God you’ve been burgled. The mess was unbelievable

It’s not dirty but just very messy, the 10 year old boy looks fine but if a match was lit the whole place would go up.

I was going to speak to the husband but bottled it at the last moment , do I contact the authorities, each room of the house has been stripped of wallpaper, tiles that were once in the lovely kitchen have been taken off and I just have a feeling the woman is having a breakdown, I must stress, it’s a feeling . What do I do?

[ummmm]

You see the husband come and go so he obviously knows. If the child is clean and fed I'm not sure what the council will do. Does she own the property?

[milly143]

I don't think you do anything. If her child is well cared for and happy then the if the only problem is the house is messy what is the problem? Perhaps she is struggling to adjust as a single, maybe working mother. Perhaps she just isn't bothered by mess. If it's not effecting your life in any way, and I don't see how it could then I would keep my nose out.

[brenda]

What is it that you want to do -- get them evicted, try to help the woman, protect the child-- just what?

Could you set about befriending the woman -- that way if done slowly and overtime you may find the cause of her difficulties.

If she is unwell as you suspect --is there any other family who could help her?

finally , not everyone sees the need for wallpaper or tiling -- their choice.

[milly143]

Also, redecorating can be expensive. Perhaps the wallpaper was taken down with good intentions and then the cost of life got in the way.

[Mosaic]

Perhaps she associated the interior decor with the so n so who walked out on her. If it is council tenancy, do you have a contract that includes maintaining your interior to a specific standard? And if so, will the council pay you fo doing their job?
Look at it from another angle. Do you know if she has any friends or family who might help? It sounds like depression to me, and someone who needs support not 'grassing up'.
I am sure you have the best intentions, but a neat and tidy house comes second to a loving home.

[Fish the Mod]

The house is owned, I remember the for sale sign, she does have a sister who comes around often ( I think she lives locally)

[joeluke]

It's absolutely none of your business what state the house is in

If people like living in squalor let them

[welshlibranr]

Sorry, but as long as she is caring for her son, and he is happy, then it's not your business!............if you see her health worsening and her son not being cared for then, you can contact Social Services, but not until then, if it ever happens!................

[cazzz1975]

I agree 100% with joeluke

[Fish the Mod]

Thanks, I will keep out!