Who should pay - tenant or me?

bitsandpieces

Replacing silicon sealant should be a pretty quick and cheap job anyway and worth it to avoid the risk of future damage. Maybe ask tenant to clean first. Agree that the broken plug socket should be the priority, though.

clutton wrote: »

tenants also have a duty to behave in a "tenant like manner" - and whlst this is not defined in legislation, it is implicit that the tenant behaves in a manner which causes no damage or deterioration, other than wear and tear, to the property.

No damage other than wear and tear seems unreasonable. If you live in a property for years, however careful, there's a fair chance you'll cause at least some minor accidental damage at some point - e.g. no sensible landlord would try to chuck out a tenant for e.g. a single chip to the paintwork over the course of a year. I'm sure that's not what you meant, though.

pinkshoes

Why does the silicone need replacing??? The OP says it's DIRTY and MOULDY, and not broken...

If you don't wash the bath properly, and air the bathroom properly, then it will get mouldy and look disgusting.

I would advise the tenant that they should invest in some mould cleaner to remove the mould from the silicone.



OP, how detailed was the inventory? Did the tenants sign it? I presume you have protected their deposit?

clutton_2

Replacing/repairing existing sockets and switches is allowable, even in kitchens and bathrooms, however obviously the person must be competent.

ONLY Part-P regisered electricians are allowed to replace sockets in bathrooms and kitchens....

maria6259

pinkshoes wrote: »

Why does the silicone need replacing??? The OP says it's DIRTY and MOULDY, and not broken...

If you don't wash the bath properly, and air the bathroom properly, then it will get mouldy and look disgusting.

I would advise the tenant that they should invest in some mould cleaner to remove the mould from the silicone.

I keep my bathroom spotlessly clean and aired, and I still get black patches BEHIND the silicon, which means that the silicon was not put on properly (or a cheap one was used). It's on my list of to do jobs.

Good quality sealant is only about £5 a tube. I am sure the LL can afford that.....

Googlewhacker

maria6259 wrote: »

Good quality sealant is only about £5 a tube. I am sure the LL can afford that.....

How are you so sure?

neetugopal

Some interesting comments. I have given sockets the priority and electrician is coming round to replace. Replacing silicon seal is also as important as there is some sign of dampness in the ceiling downstairs. I will get somebody to do the job properly and hopefully tenant will keep it clean.

As for the inventory list I am afraid it does not go to very detailed level.

The same tenant has been in the property for last 4 years. Tenancy started before the deposit protection scheme so I don't have to worry about putting the money into a deposit scheme.

I have been very accommodating with the tenant and would not chuck him out just for this.

Thanks all for responses.

mikey72

maria6259 wrote: »

I keep my bathroom spotlessly clean and aired, and I still get black patches BEHIND the silicon, which means that the silicon was not put on properly (or a cheap one was used). It's on my list of to do jobs.

Good quality sealant is only about £5 a tube. I am sure the LL can afford that.....

It's dearer, and it still won't last 4 years.

timbim_2

clutton wrote: »

ONLY Part-P regisered electricians are allowed to replace sockets in bathrooms and kitchens....

Sure? The IET states on this page that:

The following types of work are non-notifiable:

• Replacing accessories such as socket-outlets, control switches and ceiling roses
• Replacing the cable for a single circuit only, where damaged, for example, by fire, rodent or impact (1.)
• Re-fixing or replacing the enclosures of existing installation components (2.)
• Providing mechanical protection to existing fixed installations (3.)
• Installing or upgrading main or supplementary equipotential bonding (4.)
• Work that is not in a kitchen or special location and does not involve a special installation (5.) and consists of:
  • Adding lighting points (light fittings and switches) to an existing circuit (6.)
  • Adding socket-outlets and fused spurs to an existing ring or radial circuit (6.)

Which I read to mean that replacing existing sockets in a kitchen or bathroom is fine (see first point) but adding new ones is not (for a non-registered person)