Water damage to neighbour's ceiling - advice please.

[poodleparlour]

Scenario - I damaged my downstairs neighbour's property when my bath overflowed.

I fully accept responsibility, but am unhappy that he has provided me with a single estimate, which I know is building firm owned by one of his relatives.

He will not allow me/a builder of my choosing in to look at the damage caused to provide an alternative estimate. He has refused to claim on his insurance and wants me to pay the amount he has quoted.

Where do I stand? Can I insist that he provides alternative quotes?

Thanks.

[lalalonglegs]

You should have buildings insurance (provided by the freeholder) to cover this sort of thing, contact them to sort it out. You will have to pay the excess.

[poodleparlour]

The freeholder insurance paid for mine to be done but apparently they had to look at his flat at the same time and he wouldn't let them in.

The insurers say it's too late for him to make a claim now as more than six months have elapsed. He wants the cash to do the repairs himself.

What can I do? Do I have to pay it?

[lalalonglegs]

I'd post this in legal, if I were you. If he refuses access and only wants cash payment to pass onto a relative then I'm sure there is a legal bod who can tell you the best course of action.

[poodleparlour]

Ok, thanks, will do.

[trixymalixy]

Tell him to take a running jump, he should have gone through the insurance company when he had the chance and not refused to let them in.

[PrincessScrumpy]

When our dishwasher flooded our downstairs the insurance company sent a builder out - i wasn't happy with what he said so called the insurer. They sent someone out who usually deals with fraudulent claims but is a trained surveyor so i was happy for her to come (it was at my request so they weren't trying to catch me out). She assessed the damage then I had to get a quote (just one) and she said whether that was reasonable or not - she actually gave us more than we needed. Let the insurance company deal with it and come and assess - tell them you think your neighbour's trying it on.

In fairness, I would get a relative to do a job if i trusted them - hard to find reliable workmen.