Blocked Loo - Whos Liable?

sheryldoc

Hey,

I live in private rented accom.. and the loos blocked and cant b used!!

WHo pays to repair this?.. myself or the landlord?

JBeau

We've had blocked loos aswell. Called the letting agent who arranged for the drains to be unblocked. It is not your responsibility........just hope you havn't been flushing anything extraordinary down the loo.:eek:

sheryldoc

LoL.. I think whats happened is..

See the lil things you put over edge of loo and when u flush it relases nice smelling anti bacterial stuff.. well that fell in..a nd I managed to get one part.. however the white plastic part wasnt there..a nd now I guess its blocking the system!!

I tried in vain to get at it last nite with gloves and a coathanger (bokes) but no joy

JBeau

heh heh !!
I'de still instruct the agents/landlord - and just act ignorant.

cattie

When I used to live in rented accomodation years ago I always considered a bloked loo my own responsibilty. After all if you've created the blockage it seems a bit of a cheek to expect the landlord to foot the bill.

sheryldoc

It was an accident to be fair and its one of those things that happen in a house..

I had a look on http://www.scotland.gov.uk/housing/leaflets/rtr-00.asp and it seems the landlord will have to repair.

sleepymy

sheryldoc wrote:

LoL.. I think whats happened is..

See the lil things you put over edge of loo and when u flush it relases nice smelling anti bacterial stuff.. well that fell in..a nd I managed to get one part.. however the white plastic part wasnt there..a nd now I guess its blocking the system!!

I tried in vain to get at it last nite with gloves and a coathanger (bokes) but no joy

A plumber once told me that these things were one of the most common reasons for blocked loos and advises against ever using them. They're also very environmentally unfriendly, a nice scent bag with essential oil in the nearest radiator is as effective.

Have you tried getting one of those drain unblockers with the grabbing hand on the end?

And sorry, I agree with cattie, if you blocked it you should pay for the unblocking.

thesaint

I think that although the landlord will be responsible for un-blocking it, he will probably charge you once he finds out that it was your fault that it is blocked.

sheryldoc

Dont worry I wont be using them again..

Me and my landlord hav a good relationship.. I have paid for many repairs that they should have paid for.. so when I get hold of her hopefully we can sort something out .. shes at work the now tho.

prudryden

If your contract says you are responsible, then technically yes you are. But, I doubt whether the LL will pursue you unless it becomes very costly. Then he withhold your deposit or pursue you for damages. Again, depends on the cost as it may not be worthwhile.

scheming_gypsy

have a poke around with a metal coat hanger to see if you can dislodge it ad possibly pull it out.