Roof damage question

A question about : Roof damage question

We live in a bottom floor flat ( it's a house with 4 in a block ; so 2 houses on the first floor, 2 on the bottom floor) - not sure if 4 in a block is the correct technical term.

Anyway, today's storm brought a big of damage and some of the slates have fallen off the roof. The neighbour above us came and spoke to us tonight and asked that we pay in 50% of the total bill.

Are we actually liable for the room considering we live in the bottom floor house? It's not just that, it's also the fact they are only considering getting it sorted through a third party and not through their insurance so it's obviously going to be costly.

Any advice will be appreciated

Best answers:

• I wouldn't, if it does not affect my own property I would advise they contact their insurance company to get it sorted. I bet if there was a major flood in your kitchen, they would say likewise.
• Really you should know these things before the problem happens.
  That said though I live in a four in a block on the ground floor lke you and yes I am responsible for the roof in the same way as my upstairs neighbour is for the drains etc.
  However there's nothing wrong with you going through your insurance
• You need to read your lease and find out the repairing responsibilities. Leases can range from the top flat (s) being responsible for the roof, with the bottom flat (s) being responsible for the foundations, to all bills split 50%, to anything in between. If your lease says that you are responsible, you will need to pay it - you do benefit from the roof.