Water damage caused by loose tap seal - building insurance?

jaxkesa

Hi

My landlord is refusung to refund my entire deposit as there was some water damage caused to the flat below. The seal on one of the bath taps was not in place and water could get under the tap and the bath and eventually down the wall of one of the flats below.

Should this be claimed under the building insurance by the landlord/other flat or is it something the landlord can charge me for even though it would not have happened if the seal was in place?

Also can the landlord legally charge me for the period in between my tenancy ending and the date I return the key?

Hope someone can help me! Thanks.

courtjester

The water damage to the flat below would most certainly be covered by the buildings insurance, subject to any excess payable by the landlord if they own both flats.

It is only reasonable for the landlord to retain the deposit if the damage was due to the tenants action or ommission - if as you indicate, this was a defect with the installation supplied by the landlord, it is surely the landlord's responsibility for repairs.