Property Problems Solved

I bought my flat in 2000. It is an ex council property; the top flat in a block with three other flats, all of which are owned by the Local Authority. My title deeds state that the council are 75% responsible for common repairs including the roof.

In December 2006 the roof leaked due to weather damage. It is a metal profile flat roof. The council took around 8 months to repair the damage after which my insurance company paid to have the interior of the house repaired. I also decided to have the house refurbished at the time. The work was near completion in December 07 when the repair carried out by the council leaked again. At this time I was told by a council engineer that the roof was 38 years old and had a life expectancy of 25 to 30 years. 2 months later the council repaired the roof again.

I was told by the council that I could seek estimates to replace the roof and submit them to the council. I was living abroad by this time and was prevented from renting my flat out because of the roof problem. However, no contracter I contacted could or would give me an estimate because the roof is 75% the councils'.

I related this back to the council. Again in December 08 the roof has leaked again. I have been told that the council were of the impression that I was dealing with the issue and that they have no plans to replace the roof. My insurance company has told me that it is not their responsiblity because the roof is in need of replacement.

I am at my wits end, the attick has no insulation because of the ongoing problems. At the present moment the council have laid plastic sheeting in the attic. Ther are 2 large water tanks in the attic, supplying the 4 houses and my fear is that with chronic water damage the timber supporting these tanks will become unsafe.

I live in Scotland.

What can I do to put pressure on the council to take satisfactory action?