my neighbour builder damaged my backyard door badly and entered to my property without my permission, what should I do?

[Karensiu]

my neighbour builder damaged my backyard door badly and entered to my property without my permission frequently, what should I do? The builders damaged my backyard door, is this classfied as criminal case? I called police when the incident happened, however, police told me they won't take any actions to agaisnt the builders as this is not classfied as criminal. what should i do now? who should takes this responsibility and compensate my lost in the backyard door?

[bednobs]

have you asked the builders what they plan to do about it? i would have thought that was your first port of call really. They may say "oh yes. sorry about that, let us replace it"
Also, get a padlock on it

[smptrds]

I suggest you get at least two independent estimates for complete replacement/repair of the door, other than your neighbour, take photographic evidence and always record what happens when and what is said as soon as possible. All this, will be evidence against your bully of a neighbour. Inform him in writing that you are taking legal action against him for trespass and damage and that you will record any threats with photographic evidence if he comes on your property again. Keep a copy with dates of everything you send him.
I have found that once these type of people walk over you, they will continue for ever unless you show them that you will stop them one way or another. You may get a little respect or he will give you a wide berth in future.
Ask him for his insurer details as he will be covered for any liability through his business. If he refuses to give it to you, report him to the Trading Standards who will also give you further advice and may even act on your behalf. I have found them very helpful as they have even told me what to put in a letter.
What concerns me is your safety now the door is damaged. If your insured, give them a ring and tell them what has happened as this may invalidate your insurance policy if the house is insecure. They should also be able to send someone out to secure your house?
Any additional costs that you have to spend because of the damage, record it and keep all receipts to pass on to your insurers.
If this builder has a company name, inform your insurers of this as they will be able to do a search of their required legal documents.
Please take advice from the C.A.B. also and anyone who is willing to help.
Good luck and I hope you sort him out.

[bednobs]

can i just clarify, do you mean your neighbour who is a builder or your neighbour's builder

[Karensiu]

They are neighbour's builder.

[AlBags]

I think she means her neighbour (who is a builder)
Why exactly is he forcing entry? Have you a dispute or argument ongoing?
Not telling it all, are you?!

[Karensiu]

The most highlight thing on my question is the builders (who doing the works for my neighbour) damaged my backyard door! They entered to my properpty without my permission, they even never made a request to me that they need to carry the work in my property, they just entered to my property at anytime they want and is that mean they can damage my backyard door? There's nothing about disputes or arguments or anything hiding up, i think you are totally lost in here, ALBAGS.

[TheShakeperian]

Sorry not clear what is happening here
Is the builder working for a neighbour and for some reason is using your house for access ? Or is your neighbour a builder who just thinks they can get into your house any time they like ? Is there a reason why the builder/neighbour keeps entering your house without asking permission?
More information needed please .

[AlBags]

OK .. I'll get back to answering the other few thousand technical, building, construction, electrical, plumbing, and automotive questions I've been answering then. Although I have 20 years in technical trades, I am a builder now .. so what do I know?

[tenrec]

English may not be the first language here, but I think she means the neighbour's builder, ie. a builder who is working on neighbouring property.

[AlBags]

I'm sure you're right. God only knows.

[Karensiu]

the builders (who doing the works for my neighbour). I have no idea of why they don't contact me before they can get into my property for carrying their work. The neighbour does have my contact information. By common sense, either one of them should make a request to me in regarding the building works need to be carried out in my place right?

[karenmac60]

Is the 'backyard door' a door to your home or a gate to your garden? When you say they are entering your property, do you mean the builder is coming into your home or that he is entering your garden?

[Karensiu]

ok, if you are a builder then what is your normal way to do with if there's a work needs to be carried out in others property?

[Karensiu]

the backyard door which is the gate to enter to my backyard. I own the backyard and which is part of my property, so can't just saying it is my property?

[AlBags]

If I needed access, I would visit you, tell you about the work, and request that I had access at a mutually convenient time to do this work.
I would also offer to replace or 'make good' any damage to your property whilst I was working there.

[tonywiltshire]

This should be treated as a civil matter.
You may find your neighbour has the right to enter your property with tradesmen to carry out repairs to his property but common sense dictates this should be done at a reasonable hour and with your knowledge.
Talk to your neighbour over access to your land and ask him what action he/she is to take over the damage to your property. The builder should have insurance and he may, or may not, wish to make a claim, either way any damage done should be made good.
If the builder and your neighbour refuse to be reasonable, get a quotation to repair any damage done, secure your gate and give both the builder and your neighbour a written “notice before action” giving then 14 days to make good the damage and if they do not make a claim at your local County Court. It is very easy and the Court officials should give you guidance.

[karenmac60]

It does sound from your question as though the builder was entering your home - I know the garden is part of your property too, but I would think it was a lot more serious if he was entering your home.

[Karensiu]

Hi Albags, yes you are right and I was also expecting the builders or the neighbour should do in that appropriate way to me just like what you said but in fact they didn't. They just like being a theft or robbery get into my property frequently and now even damamged my backyard door.

[AlBags]

OK .. We are getting somewhere at last.

So you are saying that they broke in .. and caused damage to the door?
Just scratches .. paint off .. or something like lock or handle/ latch broken?

[TheShakeperian]

Yes , If the builders working next door need access to your property they must get your permission first . If they do not do this they are breaking the law .
There seem to be 2 offences here,
1 Trespassing . This is a civil offence so can not be dealt with by the police.
2 Damage , I think this may be classed as 'Criminal Damage' in which case it is a criminal offence and the police need to be involved.
There will be someone who has a better knowledge of law than I do who can say if this is criminal damage or another offence.
You need to go and talk to the builders and tell them you do not want them to enter your property unless they have your consent, you also need to get the locks changed and get an estimate of the cost of the damage caused.