Telling (flat townhouse) neighbor that they need to replace their roof - would you do it?

[Anonymous]

We live in townhomes with flat roofs. I have roof access, they do not. I've had some roofers come out to look at my roof for minor issues, and they are all remarking that my neighbor needs to replace their roof (honestly it has looked pretty beat up w/o any roofers being there). There is a specific area that could be a source of leak for both of us if not fixed.

Neighbors live in another state and are renting their place out.

Would you tell the neighbors "hey, you guys may want to think about replacing your roof soon - I can send you photos" or is this a MYOB situation?

As an owner who cannot look at your roof, would you want a neighbor who can see it clearly, to tell you?

I have a friendly relationship with them, but we don't really stay in contact.

[Anonymous]

I would say "hey, I had my roof checked recently and they mentioned that your roof is rough and that it might cause issues on both our properties in the future. I've been pleased with their services, would you like their contact info so they can do a proper assessment?"

[Anonymous]

Yes, I would definitely want to know. Ounce of prevention...

[Anonymous]

Yes. I’d want to know if I wasn’t there to monitor it myself.

[Anonymous]

Yes..please share the info in an fyi way (not in a we hate the way it looks way). I would be happy to know.

[Anonymous]

Yes, definitely.

[Anonymous]

Do it with a phonecall. If you put it in writing for them you increase liability, potentially insurance costs, and disclosure requirements if they ever sell.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do it with a phonecall. If you put it in writing for them you increase liability, potentially insurance costs, and disclosure requirements if they ever sell.

Definitely do not listen to this person. They should have to disclose this information but I can't imagine it not being mentioned in an inspection report.

You should put it in writing to protect yourself in case there is a leak. Then they can't say they didn't know there was an issue.

[Anonymous]

If you have their email, I would communicate that way and attach photos. Any homeowner would want to know this. We let our vacation home neighbours know that we could see rust on their metal roof in a couple places as we knew they would want to fix/prevent more issues and also asked them if they could see any issue on our roof from their side.


If they give you attitude there is not much you can do unless you get a lead that affects you; then you can have your insurance go after theirs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, I would definitely want to know. Ounce of prevention...

Same here

[Anonymous]

No. Your roofers will be blamed for damaging their roof.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you have their email, I would communicate that way and attach photos. Any homeowner would want to know this. We let our vacation home neighbours know that we could see rust on their metal roof in a couple places as we knew they would want to fix/prevent more issues and also asked them if they could see any issue on our roof from their side.


If they give you attitude there is not much you can do unless you get a lead that affects you; then you can have your insurance go after theirs.

Yes. This way they have to pay if their negligence causes issues on your property. It's the right thing to do and it also is a CYA move.

[Anonymous]

A couple sentences. Who said what. When they said it. What was said.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No. Your roofers will be blamed for damaging their roof.

To the contrary. This is exactly why you'd send a note before your roofers start work (with photos).

[Anonymous]

Definitely. I've told our neighbors about something I could see looking out our window at a vantage point they don't have.