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

Smedders11

theartfullodger wrote: »

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.

Why? Because my dad's a credible and highly experiences tradesman who's agreed to fit one for free. If you were in this situation, and intended to being obstinate, then by all means go and spend more money than necessary by trying to stick to ridiculous principles

Welshwoofs wrote: »

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.

Not really hard to comprehend if you ask me. Washing machine recess wasn't fit for purpose, and as a consequence has dislodged part of the worktop. This is the same section that has the hole (less than half the diameter of your typical cup, and nicely tucked away). Going by the fact that, either due to the poor construction or by deciding to put a washing machine into its intended recluse, it will need to be replaced anyway, why not splash out on a little luxury?


I actually still have the cut-out piece. Bit-o-woodfiller and it'll be on par with the rest of the unit.

martinsurrey

if he tries to take a lot of cash for a replacement you can take him the tenancy deposit adjudication service.

they will look at the age of the item and the usual useful life of an item such as that and only make you pay for the element that you have infact "damaged".

In this case, it sounds like the top was in need of replacement and was reaching the end of its life, as such you will have to contribute a small percentage of the cost of replacement.

Make sure you take plenty of photo's not only of what you've done, but of the general condition of the top, it will help your case if it gets that far

BobQ

Smedders11 wrote: »

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.

I cannot see the relevance of the other issues you are mentioning above. None of these things make the worktop unserviceable.

I think the mistake you have made is to listen to your father. His advice may have been sensible if this were your property. Your mistake was not to have asked the landlord before damaging his worktop. Its not as if a 2" round hole can be caused accidentally.

Depending on where the hole was to made (say if it were well away from the sink and could be left with a plug in hole cover), its possible that a reasonable landlord (if asked) might have taken the same view as your father. But by not asking you have opened yourself up to the possibility of having to pay to replace the worktop.

Unless there are other examples of you deliberately damaging the landlord's property, I cannot imagine you would be evicted, so do not worry about that. But in my opinion you have little defence to being required to pay for a new section of worktop and the cost of installing it.

BitterAndTwisted

What would I do? Fess up and admit you've made an unauthorised alteration to the landlord's fixture and tell them that you fully accept a replacement worktop will be required once your tenancy has ended. BUT credible and highly experienced tradesman Dad is willing to fit one properly and at your own expense. If that would be acceptable. I can't see a sensible landlord evicting on that basis.

Smedders11

A consequence of the washing machine issue is that it has dislodged the worktop in question, so will needed fixing regardless. Having to replace these will likely mean that everything else would need to be changed in order to accommodate and match the new section. If he's able to find an exact match, the same goes for the worktop, which I'd happily pay for. A fact you'd have known if you'd taken the care to read the passage properly.

BitterAndTwisted

The dislodging of the worktop due to the way the w/m has been fitted is nothing to do with the damage your father has caused. Was anything mentioned in the check-in inventory about the state of the kitchen units and worktops?

"It was crap anyway, so a hole makes little difference" is unlikely to wash with your landlord.

Smedders11

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

The dislodging of the worktop due to the way the w/m has been fitted is nothing to do with the damage your father has caused. Was anything mentioned in the check-in inventory about the state of the kitchen units and worktops?

"It was crap anyway, so a hole makes little difference" is unlikely to wash with your landlord.

I agree. It's a good job I'm not using that excuse then isn't it?

The washing machine dislodged the same section of worktop with the hole. It isn't a case of "it's crap, so let's vandalise it". It's a case of "this will be replaced, regardless of any further action".

BitterAndTwisted

My advice would be to let the landlord know about the damage BEFORE they discover it during one of their routine inspections. And then offer your solution.

Smedders11

Whilst I appreciate the advice, it isn't what I'm looking for. All I wanted to know was whether I could be held liable for a FULL refurbishment of the kitchen units.

I fully intend on pointing out the problem, apologising, and then assuring them I will happily and readily pay for replacement of the damaged section. I just don't want him trying to make me pay for any more than I am liable for.

BitterAndTwisted

I think you've already been advised that you cannot be held liable for the full cost of a new replacement. See post number five.

Much also depends on how explicit and truthful the check-in inventory was when you moved in.