Small hole drilled for in worktop for plumbing; is it likely to affect the deposit?

Smedders11

I'm a tenant who's recently had a tabletop dishwasher installed. To accomplish this, a small hole was drilled (5cm diameter) into the worktop for plumbing. We ( my girlfriend and I) assumed we wouldn't have to do any work on the worktop as there are two pipes extending from where the washing machine fits, so presumed we'd use those holes to fit the pipes. When we got the the machine we realised this wasn't possible due to the size and length of the pipes, so my dad (a tradesman who fitted it) convinced us to have the hole drilled.

It's quite a professional job, so it looks tidy, but we're still concerned about the deposit as it will basically be a hole that serves no purpose once the machine is removed.

We were against the holes, but my dad convinced us; and as we'd already bought the machine we sort of wanted it fitted. He reasoned about the already-poor condition of the worktop meant that work would need to be carried out anyway. This is because the undersides are frayed and splintered, a drawer came off due to shody fitting, the washing machine recess deceptively narrowed, meaning that the machine went in easily, only to pop out the side panel slightly when it was fully installed, and a cupboard doesn't open due to the place of a corner unit. How sound is this logic? I'm not expecting to get off freely for it, but I don't want the Landlord to use the excuse that they may have to replace the worktop solely because of the hole we drilled, when the worktop was already very poor, resulting in him taking a lot more than may be necessary.

My dad said that he'd ultimately re-fit the make too much of a fuss (but I'm not going to say that outright as he'll surely be blinded by opportunity). If I'm honest, I'm worried about having our upcoming six monthly review and us being evicted! I know this is likely stupid, but this is our first house after moving out. I can't see them kicking us out as surely a new, cheap worktop (it really is) would ultimately cost less that the £450 we pay in rent.

Anyone have an insight into situations like this? And the likely outcome? Thank you.

I'm not trying to get out of paying for the damage. I'm just concerned about being forced to pay for a full refurbishment.

Lovelyjoolz

So when you move out, there will be a fairly large hole in a formerly perfectly serviceable (if seen better days) worktop?

Look at this way: when you first moved in, without a dishwasher, would you have found a 5cm hole in the worktop a pain in the ar $e? Because I know I would - it would drive me nuts! And if I was a tenant moving in, I'd want the LL to fix the hole first.

So that is the position you've left the LL in. He now has a hole in the worktop which will have to be fixed before his next tenant moves in, all because of you.

I doubt if he will evict you because of it, but I'm sure he'll be deducting from your deposit for a replacement worktop, or section of worktop to fix the damage you have caused.

bluecelticgirl

Why don't you just leave the dishwasher when you leave? Not much point in uninstalling it if you are going to leave a hole in the worktop. You would definitely need to replace the worktop if you don't. You would have to check with the landlord of course that they are ok for you to do this - they might not be. As Lovelyjoolz said you cannot just leave a hole in a worktop no matter what condition it was in. How would you feel if it was your property?

Smedders11

I wouldn't agree that having a recess that is not large enough for a standard washing machine, plus drawers which are inadequately fitted as to fall come off when they're closed, and also to have a corner unit that cannot open to to an oversight on the fitting, is strictly "perfectly serviceable".

Besides, you've missed my point. I'm not saying that I don't expect to pay for it; I'm saying how likely is it that we'd be expected to pay the full cost of a new unit. It would already need to be replaced due to the incorrect construction of the washing machine recess, but I don't want to be charged the whole cost when it was a failure on the fitter's part.

anselld

LL should not charge full cost of a brand new worktop as that would be "betterment", ie new for old. LL should charge based on estimated proportion of remaining life.

eg Old work top 5 years old at end of tenancy
Expected life 10 years.

T liable for 50% of replacement + fitting cost of an equal quality worktop

It is up to LL to make a case which is fair and reasonable, without betterment, supported by evidence (signed inventory, quotes, etc). Best for you to negotiate with the LL but if you think you are being overcharged take it to the deposit dispute process.

Perhaps the cheapest way would be get Dad to replace worktop at end of tenancy!

Mortgage_Reduction_Novice

Smedders11 wrote: »

Anyone have an insight into situations like this?

No insight, because I've always requested permission to make permanent changes to any property I rented PRIOR to making them.

princeofpounds

Unfortunately whilst I can understand what you have done and why, your logic on avoiding having to pay for the damage is not going to work.

I think if a case like this were to go to deposit arbitration you would have a 95% chance of losing. However, you would not have to pay for the full cost of a new worksurface. You would have to pay for the depreciated cost. If it's cheap and knackered you should at least take evidence of that.

Smedders11

That's what I was expecting. I'm not worried about repairing the damage. As I said my dad can easily replace it for free, and it is your typical, value range, light brown laminate.

If I'm honest, all that bothered me was that he'd evict outright. I don't really care about losing the deposit; I'm a responsible person who will take liability for the action, but I didn't want to be ripped of by being forced to pay the full cost of a refurbishment.

I'm not trying to get out of paying for the damage.

theartfullodger

Why do you think landlord would be happy for dad to do the replacement? Dad was the one who decided to damage the original! If I were landlord I'd insist on someone else.

Welshwoofs

Why didn't you ask permission from the Landlord before drilling a big hole in the worktop? That would have avoided the situation and you're actually supposed to ask permission before doing anything like that anyway.

As another poster said, the landlord can't charge you for a new worktop as they have to take into account the age of the current one, but naturally you will have to pay something because now he will definitely have to replace it once you've left.

uncle-buck_2

Keep your eyes open on ebay/gumtree etc and at car-boot sales (if you visit them for a similar piece of worktop and simply replace the piece which in no uncertain terms you've damaged.

I needed a piece myself last year and got a one metre off-cut from a kitchen fitter for £10. it's actually better quality than my landlord had fitted and only took me an hour to replace (including the obligatory tea break...)