I STAY in a council house and have had problems with rain water coming in through the roof or roughcasting (where it comes from is debatable).

We have had this problem for about 10 years ago - it was also a problem for the previous tenant. We have had this "fixed" around a dozen times, but it persists.

When we redecorate, once we have heavy rain, the brown stains start to appear on the wall and ceiling again, and we are fed up with it.

SOUNDS like the landlord is in breach of their obligations to provide you with a watertight property.

You would be entitled to take them to court for damages and possibly an order to repair the house effectively, and to provide you with suitable alternative accommodation while doing so.

Consult housing experts, such as Govan Law Centre www.govanlc.blogspot.co.uk and the Legal Services Agency www.lsa.org.uk.

IN MY deeds it says I have to give access to gas, electricity, water and other services as there are pipes and cables under my garden.

Last time it was dug up, they left a terrible mess. What can I do? If I don't let them on I can be sued.

THIS is a common provision in urban and suburban title deeds, and is essential for upkeep of those public services.

There should be a provision that these companies or authorities have to reinstate your ground as they found it.

If they fail you can claim the cost of landscaping etc, and sue if they don't pay.

I AM having legal work done, after paying my mortgage off - and now my lawyer says I have to produce my passport and a gas bill to him before he can do any work for me.

This firm did my house purchase originally. Surely I don't have to prove who I am. This is mad.

THE law (Proceeds of Crime legislation) and Law Society of Scotland rules make it the duty of solicitors - and any professionals dealing with money or financial transactions - to check the identity of clients, and the source of their funds to discourage money laundering and investing the proceeds of crime.

If the lawyer fails to act properly, he can go to jail. There is a duty to re-identify clients if there has been a long gap since last involvement with the firm.

I WAS making a will and wanted my son to be the witness to my signature so that I did not need to discuss my business with strangers, but my solicitor says this is not a good idea.

THAT'S right. Your son is either named in the will as beneficiary or has a legal claim on your estate and thus it is inappropriate that he is the witness.

But your lawyer or a member of her staff can witness the will confidentially.

If you ask someone else, all they are entitled to see is your signature, not the content of the will.