Should I replace a mouldy beech worktop in a rented property?

leveller2911

Beech is one of the worse timbers you can have for a kitchen worktop. Its classed and "Not Durable " by TRADA (Timber research and Development Agency) who are recognised around the world as a centre of excellance on the specifications and use of timbers.

This is not your problem OP ,unless you have a maintenence contract on your tenancy. The Landlord at best should have maintained the worktop regularly (monthly). You haven't broken it,or misused it as it was never fit for purpose.

You can't replace a "section" of wortop as such you have to replace the whole length and if that includes a mitred joined to another run of worktop it can be a very expensive job.

Its just not your fault and he is trying it on I'm afraid. I do wonder why a "amateur" landlord would fit a wooden worktop in a let property in the first place...

anselld

ironryon wrote: »

And yes I explained my position but he said I should return the house in the same condition blah blah....

It should read "same condition less fair wear and tear".
You can argue that this is combination of
fair wear and tear
failure of the LL to adequately maintain and/or provide detailed care instructions.

Even if you are found liable you should argue that the full cost is not payable as that would be "betterment", ie new for old.

Make your claim via the deposit scheme and let them decide. Do not attempt DIY repairs nor pay yourself for replacement.

leveller2911

Worry_Wart wrote: »

Wooden work tops are a pain. He really should have explained how to look after it before you moved in, and if he was in regularly should have done some remedial work before it was too late.

It's his own fault for having a wooden work top in a rental property. Something that you can't put wet things on, hot things on, and cold things on shouldn't be in a kitchen! I feel your pain.

Some timber worktops are a pain but in some ways they have a major advantage over laminate (you can re sand and re seal a timber) , granite is very unforgiving with crockery and it also stains . Timber worktops do need regular maintenance but after few years have them re finished and they literally look new.

You can put wet things on a timber worktop provided its been finished correctly which many don't..

Durable timbers for worktops are Iroko,Oak and American Black Walnut.. That said I would have a mix of timber and Granite in my kitchen.. Some of the solid surface worktops are good and can me re-finished..

DRP

some really good advice from posters on this thread.

Given that it sounds like the worktop isn't sandable, I would:

• Claim my entire deposit (assuming all else in house ok)

When it comes to the DPS dispute, use the information given:

• Not mentioned in the previous, frequent visits by landlord
• No instructions from landlord
• No maintenance from landlord
• Betterment
• TRADA "Not durable"

Worry_Wart

leveller2911 wrote: »

Some timber worktops are a pain but in some ways they have a major advantage over laminate (you can re sand and re seal a timber) , granite is very unforgiving with crockery and it also stains . Timber worktops do need regular maintenance but after few years have them re finished and they literally look new.

You can put wet things on a timber worktop provided its been finished correctly which many don't..

Durable timbers for worktops are Iroko,Oak and American Black Walnut.. That said I would have a mix of timber and Granite in my kitchen.. Some of the solid surface worktops are good and can me re-finished..

Yeah I've not yet come across the perfect kitchen work surface. I've got laminate in my new place which looks crap, and I'll be replacing at some point. With what I have no idea. I do a lot of cooking and I'm really not the careful type, so perhaps a range of surfaces for different applications would be a good route.

Anyway, I'll save that discussion for another thread...

somethingcorporate

We have wood in our kitchen, it's horrible to maintain.

Been here 9 months, already sanded down the whole thing twice. It does come up good as new but it doesn't last long until you miss a spot of water and it all needs doing again.

Still, it looks lovely!

I'm with the rest here, if it's an easy fix do it, otherwise let it go to arbitration, this is the LL's issue rather than yours.

leveller2911

somethingcorporate wrote: »

We have wood in our kitchen, it's horrible to maintain.

Been here 9 months, already sanded down the whole thing twice. It does come up good as new but it doesn't last long until you miss a spot of water and it all needs doing again.

Still, it looks lovely!

I'm with the rest here, if it's an easy fix do it, otherwise let it go to arbitration, this is the LL's issue rather than yours.

What did you coat it with SC ? how many coats?

ironryon

Hi everyone.
Thanks so much for your responses.
I feel much more confident in stating my position again to the LL and confident of what I initially believed, that I wasn't in the wrong.

I coated the worktop as per the instructions on the bottle - I think it was 3 coats. However, I was never asked to do it, no instructions given and I did it myself once because I felt the work tops when I moved in looked pale so it was to improve the aesthetics really. Forgive my lack of wood knowledge but I didn't really know wood should should be sealed to make it water tight and prevent the damage which has now been caused.

ironryon

leveller2911 wrote: »

Beech is one of the worse timbers you can have for a kitchen worktop. Its classed and "Not Durable " by TRADA (Timber research and Development Agency) who are recognised around the world as a centre of excellance on the specifications and use of timbers.

This is not your problem OP ,unless you have a maintenence contract on your tenancy. The Landlord at best should have maintained the worktop regularly (monthly). You haven't broken it,or misused it as it was never fit for purpose.

You can't replace a "section" of wortop as such you have to replace the whole length and if that includes a mitred joined to another run of worktop it can be a very expensive job.

Its just not your fault and he is trying it on I'm afraid. I do wonder why a "amateur" landlord would fit a wooden worktop in a let property in the first place...

This is all very familiar to what my friend and bespoke joiner told me.

He is prepared to come here and meet the LL and give him his professional opinion.

Can I ask what you mean by a maintenance contract? Wouldn't that be additional to the assured shorthold tenancy?

ironryon

I have a few photos of the worktop but I can't see an attach icon. Is it possible does anyone know?