House Repairs - help

cedarpeach

Hi Guys

Myself and my partner have been renting a property through Cotton's for around 18months. Recently, the plaster in the spare bedroom has started to flake away leaving a gap in the wall paper and plaster dust on the floor. Also, the grouting around the bath/shower has started to rot and is black.

We have rang the agency four times in 8 weeks and each time have been told we'll be contacted by someone in the next few days to arrange an inspection. This has never happened.

I just rang the agency to ask for an email address and was told that the person I need to contact 'has a really funny last name and no one can remember her email address'.

It's starting to feel like i'm being fobbed off and would be grateful for any advice. Would an email be the best way to address this? or should I send a letter?

Thanks to all.

sooz

Write to them. And keep a copy.

chickmug

cedarpeach wrote: »

Also, the grouting around the bath/shower has started to rot and is black.

Why don't you try cleaning it or spraying with anti mould

cedarpeach

I've tried everything under the sun!

I think it just needs regrouting as the actual silicone has rotted. I'm not sure if this is something we're responsible for.

keith969

chickmug wrote: »

Why don't you try cleaning it or spraying with anti mould

Once the silicone stuff turns black, there's not much you can do except strip the old stuff out with a very sharp knife and redo it. I don't know why they can't make stuff that doesn't go mouldy, but it always does in the end...

Jowo_2

cedarpeach wrote: »

I think it just needs regrouting as the actual silicone has rotted. I'm not sure if this is something we're responsible for.

Ask the agency to provide the contact address of the landlord which they must do within 21 days of a written request and then contact the landlord to report the sloppy management by the agency whose negligence in fixing this could lead to the infrastructure of the property being compromised through damp floors, stained ceilings and so forth, all for the sake of a few quids worth of sealant.

Grouting doesn't last forever and a responsible landlord with a good agent regularly inspecting it will ensure that the bath seal remains water-tight to prevent damp. If the mould was caused through a defect or building design, it is the landlord's responsibility to bear the expense.

BUT, the onus is on a tenant to live in the property in a tenant-like manner and this includes keeping the property well ventilated and adequately heated. Therefore, if the mould was caused through tenant behaviour, failure to open windows, use the fan, mop up water, turn the radiator on and so forth, a landlord is entitled to charge the tenants.

The Shelter website also has a process (which must be followed to the letter) whereby a tenant can undertake the work themselves and deduct it from the rent.

chickmug

keith969 wrote: »

Once the silicone stuff turns black, there's not much you can do except strip the old stuff out with a very sharp knife and redo it. I don't know why they can't make stuff that doesn't go mouldy, but it always does in the end...

It depends on the degree of black. If it is treated from the outset with anti fungal spray it makes a difference. But how the sealant is applied also makes a difference. Trouble is doing it the right way costs more as there is sealant remover you can buy but it is dear but does work well.

I have a number of bathrooms and shower rooms in buy to lets and end up giving tenants the right spray, and hope they use it, as it looks awful to live with.

keith969

Curious to know what you use chickmug - can you tell me the name of it (the anti-fungal spray)?

chickmug

keith969 wrote: »

Curious to know what you use chickmug - can you tell me the name of it (the anti-fungal spray)?

Dettol Mould & Mildew Remover and my wife tells me in all the supermarkets.