A Twin Home In Philadelphia

[Critical Mass]

What is the name of your state? Pennsylvania

I own a duplex in Philadelphia. There is another duplex attached to mine. There is a single roof over a single set of steps going to the individual entrances.

The problem is that a tenant of the other duplex pointed out to me several months ago that from the second floor window, it appears that the roof is beginning to collapse. I looked, and tend to agree that while the problem doesn't appear immediate, I agree that it needs attention.

I managed to bump into the owner of the adjacent property a few weeks later and we discussed the situation. He agreed that it needs work, and said he knew someone who he would bring out and give us a quote, and we would split the cost. I agreed. However, to this day, I've heard nothing about it. I keep checking in with the other tenant who says the landlord keeps saying he's going to get somebody out there, but it never goes any further.

My question is, being that this is one structure that is shared by both properties, whose responsibility is it to repair? Likewise, who would be responsible if something should happen? Am I going to be stuck repairing this thing myself? Is there any thing I can do to legally protect myself?

Thanks in advance!

 

[FarmerJ]

start with a letter about your conversation with the owner to the owner sent via registered return reciept mail In your letter state that you want to set up a meeting with contractors to learn what they would propose to do to repair it before the two of you decide on one contractor and give the other owner a timeline to respond to you. IN the end atleast having written communications about it would help you if you must go see a real estate atty if the other owner fails to do anything at all. Keep your copy with the reciept in safe place like bank box.