What is the name of your state? Massachusetts
I recently bought land and built a house on it. We bought the land from the city we live. On the plot plans they showed in the back yard a staircase that goes to the neighbors entrance to their house. The city told us at the time that we would have to take it up with the neighbor. The city also sent the neighbor before it was sold to use a letter offering them an easment, they never replied. The owner of the house does not live in it it is being rented to one of their family members. Our lot is only a 1/4 of an acre and the stairs take up approx. 300-400 sq feet on our land. We have sent letters to the owner of the house and the their attorny about the staircase but we have never got a reply. The stairs and most of the walkway are cleary on our land because the city staked out the property line. I have offered the neighbor an easment for the use of the land for the cost of what that square footage cost us about $6000. But no action was ever taken. We have also sent them a letter indemnifying us from any injuries that may occur on the stairs . Letter was never signed. The stairs have been there for some time, not sure of exact time and is the only way to get into their house. Other neighbors have told us that about 5 yrs ago the stairs were rebuilt and moved a little to were they are now. I went to the city but no permit was ever pulled. Before i bought the land it was owned by the city, and the city bought the land from a church a few years back. I would like to remove the portion on my land or have them buy an easment but what can I do to force the issue?
Thank You for any Help
Tim
I recently bought land and built a house on it. We bought the land from the city we live. On the plot plans they showed in the back yard a staircase that goes to the neighbors entrance to their house. The city told us at the time that we would have to take it up with the neighbor. The city also sent the neighbor before it was sold to use a letter offering them an easment, they never replied. The owner of the house does not live in it it is being rented to one of their family members. Our lot is only a 1/4 of an acre and the stairs take up approx. 300-400 sq feet on our land. We have sent letters to the owner of the house and the their attorny about the staircase but we have never got a reply. The stairs and most of the walkway are cleary on our land because the city staked out the property line. I have offered the neighbor an easment for the use of the land for the cost of what that square footage cost us about $6000. But no action was ever taken. We have also sent them a letter indemnifying us from any injuries that may occur on the stairs . Letter was never signed. The stairs have been there for some time, not sure of exact time and is the only way to get into their house. Other neighbors have told us that about 5 yrs ago the stairs were rebuilt and moved a little to were they are now. I went to the city but no permit was ever pulled. Before i bought the land it was owned by the city, and the city bought the land from a church a few years back. I would like to remove the portion on my land or have them buy an easment but what can I do to force the issue?
Thank You for any Help
Tim