Should the vendor have informed me about a leak?

fugitive333

I have just bought a flat, which, upon completion was left in a real grotty state. The place was so filthy we had to hire professional cleaners with steaming equipment.

Anyway, whilst they were there they were told by the workers on the flat beneath that there was water coming down the wall of their kitchen. The vendor had very kindly left a leak under the sink and the 'catcher' was full, and overflowing.

We telephoned the agent to see where we stood, he advised us he was aware of the leak and had pointed it out to the vendor prior to completion. The water has ruined the kitchen cabinet as well, so we have had the expense of having this removed and a new one fitted, which also meant a new worktop. The leak also needed to be attended to so there was a callout charge for a plumber.

Our solicitor got nowhere with the vendor, but have advised me that they are liable for the costs incurred (we have kept all receipts). We are in the position now of having spent £450 rectifying this, are we entitled to this money? If so I will be pursuing it through the courts.

On another note they also left a whole lot of garden debris, loose bricks and paving slabs scattered everywhere and a full composter (nice!) This was another £80 to have cleared.

cte1111

Caveat emptor?

terryw

I agree withthe post above. Annoying certainly, but

1. Solicitor will charge at least £100 per hour plus court fees etc with no guarantee of winning,or even if you win more expenses for chasing up with still no guarantee of recovering costs never mind the amount claimed.

or

2. Man with van at £50 to get rid of rubbish and reasonable price for plumber to fix leak. £450 is off the map.

Take it on the chin. Get on with living in you house.

bw

fugitive333

thanks for the comments.

Confused, as the conveyancer advised it was breaking the contract (on both counts).

The sum to the builder was to cover the drying out and replacement of sodden plaster as well as the costs of new unit (and doors) and worktop, so is not off the map.

The court would not incur a fee, save for the application fee as there would be no need for a solicitor.

Ivana_Tinkle

Unless you can prove the leak happened between exchange and completion, not a chance, unfortunately.

motherofstudents

Just forget it and enjoy your new home. It is not worth pursuing imo.

curedham

Just like the post above, it's not worth pursuing for £450. You've fixed this and it is best to move on.