Lovely Neighbours Broke Front Door Glass Pane - Needs Replacing

[Deleted User]

OK, I live in a private rental house. Lovely Eastern European neighbours had a party last nite and decided to break our front door window.

We have to pay for it. Landlord won't, police agree its our responsibility. In spite of lots of blood left around the window.., the guy who did it did a runner and inspite of the police using dogs.., is no where to be found. Other inhabitants of the HMO claim 'can't speak English/don't know nuffink'.

So outside pane in our front door is broken and needs replacing (the inside pane is whole). Its a pvc door.., so window is a sealed unit.
What is the cheapest way of repairing it?

I've phoned a couple of people and they say the whole sealed unit needs replacing but I'm not sure I'm being told the price including fitting fees (pretty sure I'm not, one company said £90, which I'm pretty sure is just for the sealed glass unit, not fitting). At the moment its looking like its going to be over £200 plus (quote from another company), which is an impossibility for me.

How do I make sure I get a total cost quote before they come round?

I am a very able DIY-er.., is it possible to do it yourself?

The pane is 56cm x 94cm (roughly, outside measurement only). Obviously I understand it needs to be toughened glass etc.

DaftyDuck

I cannot agree it is your responsibility. Damage was from outside , caused by another party (pun not intended). As a Landlord myself, I'd certainly assume responsibility for it, and I can't see how (or why) the police would say say it is your responsibility.
I may be wrong... see what others say.

The fitted units are DIY-able, and can be made to an accurate and specific size, but more able bods will arrive, who will be able to advise.

Good luck.

McKneff

If you feel confident, do it yourself.

Ask at the suppliers whether it needs to be toughened glass or not, it really depends on the size.

Presumably if the other one broke, it cant have been that 'toughened.

[Deleted User]

We have one of those landlords that denies all responsibility for repairs. I can't force him to do it. Wish I could.

Jaynne

Got to say that as a landlord its not the sort of thing I'd hold the tenant responsible for - you'd think infact that its probably covered by the buildings insurance though you probably wouldn't claim for just £90.

warmhands.coldheart

I'd agree, why is it your responsibility????? you didn't do it!! as a Landlord also I wouldn't expect my tennant to sort that out, it had nothing to do with you!! Sounds like your landlard is a bit of a cheeky bug.ger!!! Was the policeman related to him by any chance??? Go back to the landlord and tell him to fix it...... if he refuses get your local EHO involved. landlord may not like it but I'll be the window will be fixed quick sharp!!

phill99

They arent as much as you think. You should get change out if £100 supply and fit. DON'T go to a double glazing company. Get it from a local glass merchants.

ljonski

get a crime number from the police. If you do the repair yourself send the bill to landlord- if he gets stroppy say you will take it off the rent and then move.......

art_for_arts_sake

McKneff wrote: »

If you feel confident, do it yourself.

Ask at the suppliers whether it needs to be toughened glass or not, it really depends on the size.

Presumably if the other one broke, it cant have been that 'toughened.

Toughened glass still breaks, it's just designed to break into lots of tiny little bits. Nowadays it bears the BS6206 kitemark logo to confirm it is toughened. Building regs require doors and glazing directly next to them to be glazed with some form of safety glass up to a height of 1500mm, and 800mm in windows. The LL could, of course, refuse, and get the door boarded up, but he has a reponsibility to make it safe, at the very least.

macman

The LL should be claiming it on his buildings insurance and then attempting to recover it from your neighbour's insurers.

phill99

macman wrote: »

The LL should be claiming it on his buildings insurance and then attempting to recover it from your neighbour's insurers.

It isn't worth it for a £100 window.