In article ,
Robin wrote:
On 18/05/2019 15:30, Chris Hogg wrote:
On Sat, 18 May 2019 13:51:13 -0000 (UTC), (Darren
Chapman) wrote:
Complication is that the owner
of the other property is hardly ever in the country, and I can't find
any details on how to contact him. Last seen in Oct, and believed to
be working in Iran as ex mil security for an oil company.

Have you written to him - by post? Would be careless of him to have no
way to receive things such as a summons for speeding while away.

No, not yet. I don't own the house yet - just got the mortgage offer
and the survey sorted, and this has raised this issue.

I know he is away most of the time as I'm currently the tennant in the
place - my landlord is selling up. He has agreed a decent price and
has agreed not to put the place on the market and give me notice, but
he isn't willing to pay any more (I'm happy with this, getting it for a
decent price anyway).

If he's away and not often home, ask yourself how often he's likely to
go up into his loft space, is he aware of the absence of a firewall,
and would he or anyone else notice if one suddenly appeared in his
absence.


One buggeration is that it's always a good idea as a part of any work on
a party wall to get photos of the neighbour's property before starting
so you have a record of pre-existing cracks etc.


Yes, I've considered just doing it. When I thought it was a small
area missing I was up for that, and would probably do it myself. Now
it's clear that it's more than that I think I'll need to get someone
in. I can do a bit in the loft, but that level of building work
in a hot loft isn't going to work with my asthma :-(

Will he ever notice if I just do it? No idea. Would he care? Probably
not. I'm putting all my cash into this (wasn't planning on buying just
yet, but couldn't pass up the chance!) so I'd rather not end up in a
drawn out legal battle. Also, would quite like to get on with him the
few days a year he is around!

Cheers,

Darren