Renting and a problem with the bathroom

moreofthegoodstuff

I am really concerned, we have lived in a rented property for over three years and a small area of flooring around the toilet has gone slightly soft....Normally I would have no problems contacting the landlord but after contacting them a hand full of times during the time in the property, it has got to the stage that it doesn't matter what we contact them about- we get told it is our fault!!

I get so frustrated by this and they take weeks to come around for anything so I'm wondering what to do in this situation...what if they blame us again? All we do is take care of the property in the best way that we can. We will be moving out within the next six months to buy a house, what would you do? Leave it? Or if I email them, what shall I say?

olly300

Phone the landlord tomorrow then follow it up with an email and tell them the toilet is leaking.

Toilets do leak.

If the landlord doesn't fix it depending on what contract you are on you can decide whether you want to leave or not.

Some landlords (which you have found) don't understand that doing a property up for rental is different from doing a property up to live in themselves.

dimbo61

Write a letter to the landlord and Letting agent ( not an email ) and send from the local post office ( keeping proof of posting) and inform the LL that they is a problem with the toilet and it is leaking.
If you dont tell them they can,t fix it.
Now if they do nothing about it and you leave in 6 months you have proof that you informed the Landlord in writing and He/She should not try and deduct any money from the deposit for the damage.
This will go a long way to proving that you should get your full deposit.
You can also back this up with an email BUT YOU MUST WRITE
You also phone them but you will have no record of the conversation.

olly300

dimbo61 wrote: »

You also phone them but you will have no record of the conversation.

If you phone make notes (and keep the phone bill) and also email then while they can try and deny you told them but you will be able to prove you did.

Though with a leaking toilet if you think it's sewage not water you can contact your local EHO if the landlord refuses to fix it. Though you need to be prepared to move out as the landlord is likely to give you notice.

Fire_Fox

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/repairs_and_bad_conditions/disrepair_in_rented_accommodation/repairs_in_private_lets/reporting_repairs_to_a_landlord

tbs624

moreofthegoodstuff wrote: »

I am really concerned, we have lived in a rented property for over three years and a small area of flooring around the toilet has gone slightly soft....Normally I would have no problems contacting the landlord but after contacting them a hand full of times during the time in the property, it has got to the stage that it doesn't matter what we contact them about- we get told it is our fault!!

I get so frustrated by this and they take weeks to come around for anything so I'm wondering what to do in this situation...what if they blame us again? All we do is take care of the property in the best way that we can. We will be moving out within the next six months to buy a house, what would you do? Leave it? Or if I email them, what shall I say?

No, do not simply leave it. If the flooring deteroriates further you would be liable because you hadn't notified the LL and given him/her the opportunity to deal with the problem when you first became aware of it.

Write and explain what the issue is and agree a time for them to have access to the property. Keep a copy. I would use good old snail mail rather than email, obtaining a cert of posting.

Have you tried laying kitchen towel or similar around the lav to check whether the cause could be condensation or whether there is a likely leak on a seal etc?

See Fire Fox's post - Shelter has template letters for bringing up repairs issues.