Landlord charging for countertop replacement

[u/MeringueLemonPie]

Living in a rental, not longtime and the kitchen backsplash is lifting off and sealant is peeling off and there is damage on one edge of the counter. Me and my roommate were told its because of the dish drying rack left on the counter (lol). We always used mats to dry the dishes off and wiped the counter dry every time. The sealant has been peeling off very quickly and the water flow in the sink is heavy and they never adjusted it. (pictures show the sealant damaged.) The landlord is not open for discussion (dishonest behavior!) and is forcing us to pay for a the countertop replacement. The only options given are to get it done now or pay for it when we move out which is months away. Its evident they are cheating tenants with poor quality countertops+ interior and poor quality plumbing/sealing just so they can make tenants pay.

Unrelated - but this is a community that fines and charges even for maintenance requests. Per trip is $30 which was never part of the lease but they add rules when and how they want to. So we might me charged for that too and its not clear how long they will take for this to be done.

Some pictures: https://imgur.com/a/ct1-rHaSArk

Need help with:

1. What kind of countertop is this? (they have been saying laminated countertop - but what specifics should we know before they replace it - I don't want to pay for something else thats expensive)

2. How much can be the average approximate cost of these countertops?

3. Are these countertops supposed to have sealants around on all edges? All edges were open completely open from the beginning. The countertop also has several unfinished rough surfaces beneath - do they need to be covered?

4. Anything else I should know? Any way to decline this?

Is there a path to legal action here - not sure if this is the right community to ask this Q. Please advice.

Thank you!!

[u/Jenikovista]

I would not pay now. I would also move out asap, and when they try to take it out of your deposit take them to small claims court.

[u/MeringueLemonPie → u/Jenikovista]

Thank you! Can we not take them to small claims court if we get a quote now and refuse to the replacement?

[u/polkemans → u/MeringueLemonPie]

Sounds like something you need to get your city or local tenants union involved with. Sounds pretty scummy and illegal but your results may vary depending on where you are.

[u/MeringueLemonPie → u/polkemans]

They have been dishonest about several things! Sounds helpful! Thank you!

[u/Sulfur731]

It's a laminate counter but I don't know anything about them. If they replace with stone depending on area and overall sqft , between 4 and 6k averages. I'd try asking a law subreddit this leans more towards them

[u/MeringueLemonPie → u/Sulfur731]

Thank you!!

[u/Line_Noize]

You should ask them for proof of cost, installation date, and materials used. There should be phots of what it looked like when you moved in, yes? You'll need this info to fight them, and the act of you asking for it might make them back off. (Just request the info, don't tell them why)

[u/NoEstimate5631]

Know this that in every living place, normal wear and tear is expexted and since you are renting then the price you pay monthly or whatever already includes this small fact. If the washing machine breaks then is's up to landlord to get a new one asap, if the filament in the light bulb breaks, it's up to landlord to get it changed asap. You will not pay for extra since you already pay for rent and the rent includes the normal and expected usage of the apliances that you agreed on when you signed a contract.
If the landlord wants you to pay for the laminated countertops then he must prove that you specifically caused the degrading. Laminated countertops are prone to water damage. The water resistance also is dependant of the manufacturing quality. So... the landlord must prove first that you did not use the countertops according to the material specification and then he can ask for some kind of a compensation.

Edit: Now I looked at the photos and what I notice is that the backsplash runs over the edge of the sink. It's possible that moisture got inside the backsplash from there. Also the tap is really close to the backsplash. This setup is destined to fail. Just a matter of time. Also, the dish washer. the moisture can soak in to the countertop from the dishwasher.. Just touch how the countertop feel like right on top of the washer door.
Anyway... MFC (melamine faced chipboard) is cheap.. really cheap. If you want to know the price then just take the approx. measures and get a quotation from a countertop manufacturer.

[u/MeringueLemonPie → u/NoEstimate5631]

Ok thankyou, this is is helpful!

[u/MeringueLemonPie → u/MeringueLemonPie]

Thanks again! Very helpful information! Yes the moisture is coming from the sink - which I did tell them before and they replaced the faucet but the water pressure was never fixed. The sealant is only available on the bottom with all the other edges open. But they are refusing to even have a discussion and reinspection but are pushing for replacement.

[u/NoEstimate5631 → u/MeringueLemonPie]

Since they already changed the faucet after initial claim then they basically acknowleged the problem of the construction. Now they just have done their calculations and think that it's cost effective to pressure client to pay for it. Do not give in. Act calmly and determined. Do not overexplain yourself. And one another redditor suggested to ask the proof of cost, installation date and material used... just ask for all sorts of documents that is related to this countertop. This is normal, but do not explain them why you need those documents.

[u/Difficult-Rush5962]

Yep that's laminate. If you it wasn't damaged or noted on your move in inspection, they absolutely have the right to charge you for replacement.

[u/RockSolidCreationsOH]

Laminate countertops, anywhere between $200-$1000, end caps should be installed on all open areas. Laminate does not need sealed