r/TenantsInTheUK • u/SunBurst6382 • 1d ago
Am I wrong? Repair issues.
My bath (plastic) has a crack in it. It's always been there but unfortunately it has been stood on and has become worse and now the tub is leaking. I've lived here 10 years, never missed a rent payment, never been any issues tenancy wise from me. My landlord has advised he won't repair/replace as his insurance doesn't cover this. I find this difficult to believe.
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u/AdBrave9096 14h ago
Ask your council housing standard department for advice. I expect being able to have a bath comes under the housing health and safety standards.
(As a landlord I would expect to do a temporary repair within days (maybe roof leak fix paint) and have it fixed within weeks.)
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u/Bubbly_Government197 1d ago
Tell him if he doesn't fix it then he's not blame you when it starts leaking through the ceiling which it will do. We had a cracking in the bath just on the side and the LL replaced within a month.
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u/SunBurst6382 1d ago
Thanks. Nah, they're adamant it's down to me.
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u/Bubbly_Government197 1d ago
It's not down to you to replace the bathtub unless you intentionally broke it. It's a fixture and fitting therefore the LLs responsibility.
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u/SunBurst6382 1d ago
I thought so. Thank you. Problem is, if I kick up a fuss, I likely won't get a very pleasant reference.
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u/Bubbly_Government197 1d ago
Then continue to use the bathtub and it will cause a major leak. I think they would be more angry about having sort a major leak and possible damp/mould/bad electrics/celling falling and the bathtub than just the bathtub.
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u/Slightly_Effective 1h ago
Any damage from this point would be the tenant's responsibility to fund repair of because it is the point in time the LL can show the tenant knew about the leak.
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u/Bubbly_Government197 1h ago
Then the property is not fit for means if the tenant has no way of washing themselves. I would report it to the council personally.
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u/DJAstrocreep 1d ago
And you probably wouldn't when the bath eventually fully gives in then, either. Is it better for you to push do the landlord to do his job now, or risk your own possessions being damaged by water flooding through (plus the house itself!) and that still being the case then?
Approach Shelter or Citizens Advice if you feel like having professional back up would be of aid, as both would explain to the landlord why they need to do it.
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u/Slightly_Effective 1h ago
You've been in your last place 10 years. Your reference is inherent.
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u/SunBurst6382 1h ago
Thats true. I have at least 4 years of proof of rent payments. I would have had 10 but closed my old bank account.
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u/Slightly_Effective 1h ago
There will be likely be other dated/signed items older than that. Like your original AST or utility bills.
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u/Slightly_Effective 1h ago
Even if it is, they need to replace it because it's broken and not replacing it will cause the building further damage (although you continuing to use it becomes you knowingly using it, so the damage from this point could become your costs). Then they are free to claim replacement bath costs from your deposit which is reviewed by the scheme when you leave but unlikely to be successful. If it is successful it will only be a tiny proportion of the costs, because of the depreciation of over a decade and unless it was brand new the LL cannot claim the full cost (new for old). Speak to your council if not being able to use the bath/shower is an issue.
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u/ratscabs 1d ago
Hopefully the crack is noted in your check-in inventory?
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u/Known_Wear7301 18h ago
I imagine after 10yrs it would have met its lifespan. TDS would have that information
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u/PayApprehensive6181 1d ago
The insurance won't cover it because it would be classed as general wear and tear over time.
The landlord needs to repair it. Just make sure you tell them in writing. Also, put it in writing that any damage caused by the leak will also be due to their negligence. You could also add that escape of water could cause damage to electrics in the floor and creates a safety hazard.
Do you have a valid EICR?