Who's responsibility?

Ames

I live in a council flat. I've just realised that some of my furniture has been rubbing against the walls and there are a couple of big holes in the plaster. Is it up to me to fix it or will the council do it?

SavingSteve

I would hope it is your responsibility. Personally I think any damage caused by occupiers use should be paid by the occupier. This isn't the law of course, just my opinion.

Ames

I thought so, I just thought that maybe it's their responsibility if the quality of the plastering is so poor that just a chair resting against it has gouged a hole out.

SavingSteve

If the plaster is considered sub-standard then that is another issue altogether, and something to be discussed with the council

m1ntie

Ames wrote: »

I thought so, I just thought that maybe it's their responsibility if the quality of the plastering is so poor that just a chair resting against it has gouged a hole out.

I think a chair "just resting" against it would be most unlikely to cause this damage.

Ames

Obviously I've been getting in and out of the chair, but that's what's caused the damage.

m1ntie

presumably if you have only just noticed them they are only small holes which you could easily repair with filler and carefully sand. If you spend some time and effort the repair should be almost invisable after redecorating.

Ames

I've been thinking, could it have anything to do with the damp in the wall? Because if it is surely that needs dealing with as any repairs will just crumble away as well? It's very wide and high but not very deep, as I'm disabled and have a lot of pain in my hands and wrists I don't think I could do the job, but is it an easy one because my sister might be able to give it a go?

Ditzy_2

For most council properties the tenancy states that internal decoration is carried out by the tenant - councils and HA only really takes responsibility for exterior decoration i.e front doors, windows, guttering.
If there is a major defect with the wall - then have it inspected and the council should make good or repair the wall.
Careful as they will try and fob you off - get independent inspector from the local authority if you believe it is damp.
Some councils also has schemes where if you are elderly or disabled decorate 1 room per year for nothing.

poppysarah

Unless you've been throwing yourself about like a sack of spuds you shouldn't be doing damage to the wall.

Get some filler.


Put some foam padding on the back of the chairs too