PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.

We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

How do I go about paying for damages?

Hi

I'm a new member here, I'm in a little situation, I'm moving out of a rented property very soon. My Landlord came over and noticed a few scratches on the kitchen worktop, I must of cut some fruit and veg with out using my chopping board. Because of the scratches my Landlord says the whole worktop has to be replaced (2metre and reinstalling the gas hob).

I know I'm responsible for the damages, if I must pay for the hole thing I guess I will have to, but I want to make sure I'm not being taking advantage off. Does this right?

Also my second question is in relation to another worktop, this one is connected to the sink at the end of this worktop there is a boiler. The worktop here has badly warped. My Landlord says it because of how I wash up(complete nonsense), theres about half a metre from the sink to wall with pipes (where the warpping has happened). I got someone to look at it and they say it can not have warped from washing up, it was constant water dripping over time, the damege was coming from behind(there was a board covering the pipes, which since has taken off).
I told her what he said(he is a construction manager and surveyor). She's still not having it and wants me to pay for that worktop too.

I have to write to her the cost of the repairs for both worktops.
«134

Comments

  • vw100
    vw100 Posts: 306 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 100 Posts
    The scratches I guess is damage. However your landlord is being a bit OTT. Worktop scratches can be repaired with some sort of filler, or a patch of some sort I am sure. I won't be surprised if your landlord just leaves the worktop as it is when you leave. As for the warped worktop, that usually is caused by water leak/condensation over a length of time with water ingress into the chipboard of the worktop. Highly unlikely related to your washing up. I will stand up firm against the warped worktop issue, however the scratched worktop, maybe offer some minor compensation or offer it to get it repaired, if there is such a option out there.
  • bris
    bris Posts: 10,548 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Op do nothing with the LL and contest it with the deposit scheme.

    Get a report from someone to say this is not from washing up and instead from water ingress at the boiler and tell them the scratches were there all along. Make it clear the LL is trying to get you to replace an old worktop for new which would be a penalty.

    You will be no worse off letting the deposit scheme decide.
  • Mrs_pbradley936
    Mrs_pbradley936 Posts: 14,571 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    I can only tell you about my experience of damaged worktops. My flats are fully managed by an agent and I go by their guidance. Anyway a tenant of mine took a hot saucepan off the hob and put it directly on to the work surface (it was a Formica type worktop) causing a deep circular burn about 10 inches across.


    I was not able to have the tenant pay for replacement worktops because only a fraction of the surface was damaged. I think they said that if it cost £500 to buy and fit new worktops the tenant had to pay £60 and I had to pay the rest.


    I did not change them and bought some of those glass worktop protectors to place over the burn and near the hob just in case anybody else did the same.
  • vw100 wrote: »
    The scratches I guess is damage. However your landlord is being a bit OTT. Worktop scratches can be repaired with some sort of filler, or a patch of some sort I am sure. I won't be surprised if your landlord just leaves the worktop as it is when you leave. As for the warped worktop, that usually is caused by water leak/condensation over a length of time with water ingress into the chipboard of the worktop. Highly unlikely related to your washing up. I will stand up firm against the warped worktop issue, however the scratched worktop, maybe offer some minor compensation or offer it to get it repaired, if there is such a option out there.

    Thank you for your quick reply, the warping issue I'm convinced its not me, but I dont know how to go about fighting it. Since I think it was leaking in winter, because during the winter I noticed poddles coming from the area, I would just wipe it up, but I havent noticed that in ages. I will look into the filler, its a laminatated worktop though.

    I think she ants to deduct the costs out of my deposit at the end, its protected. I would want to make sure the money that is deducted is used for the replacement.
  • I can only tell you about my experience of damaged worktops. My flats are fully managed by an agent and I go by their guidance. Anyway a tenant of mine took a hot saucepan off the hob and put it directly on to the work surface (it was a Formica type worktop) causing a deep circular burn about 10 inches across.


    I was not able to have the tenant pay for replacement worktops because only a fraction of the surface was damaged. I think they said that if it cost £500 to buy and fit new worktops the tenant had to pay £60 and I had to pay the rest.


    I did not change them and bought some of those glass worktop protectors to place over the burn and near the hob just in case anybody else did the same.

    Thank you for your input, the landlord's flat is managed by his sister(she was the person I was referring to). So is there a guideline I can research in terms of damages etc?
  • koolkeith wrote: »
    Thank you for your input, the landlord's flat is managed by his sister(she was the person I was referring to). So is there a guideline I can research in terms of damages etc?

    I found this:
    http://www.thetenantsvoice.co.uk/advice_from_us/deposit-disputes-3/


    about half way down you can see how they work out damage to a mattress. If there are guidelines I don't know precisely what they are but perhaps one of the deposit schemes could help you.
  • I found this:


    about half way down you can see how they work out damage to a mattress. If there are guidelines I don't know precisely what they are but perhaps one of the deposit schemes could help you.

    thank you so much , will check it out
  • depending on your relationship to the landlord, I would just go to the DPS and claim the full deposit back. It is up to the landlord to PROVE the deductions not for you to DISPROVE .
  • TBagpuss
    TBagpuss Posts: 11,236 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    In addition to the issue of whether the damage is down to wear and tear / damage by you or prbalmes due to a leak, the other issue is he length of time you have been there and how long the worktops have been there.

    The landlord is not entitled to betterment (new for old replacement) I would expect worktops to have a longer 'lifespan' than things such as carpets or white goods, but they do still last a finite period.

    You mentioned that you are still in the flat - do make sure that you take lots of (dated) photos the day you move out, and that you are present for the checkout inspection so can ensure that they accurately record the state. Do you have a dual signed check in inventory, and if so, does in mention the condition of the work surfaces?

    Don't sign anything to agree to any deductions at this stage.

    You mentioned that you have been advised that the warping is due to water leaks not to washing up - can that person put that opinion in writing, giving details of their qualifications/expertise?

    You are definitely not responsible for the full replacement cost of the work top, as it is not new.
    If you do make any payments, you have no say over whether they are used to repair / replace the worktops.

    It may be worth you looking into whether it is possible to repair the scratches using filler - if so, you can offer to do so before checkout
    All posts are my personal opinion, not formal advice Always get proper, professional advice (particularly about anything legal!)
  • Kevie192
    Kevie192 Posts: 1,146 Forumite
    koolkeith wrote: »
    I would want to make sure the money that is deducted is used for the replacement.

    You won't be able to do this. You are paying the landlord compensation for the damage you have caused. What they then do with that money is none of your business.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 348.2K Banking & Borrowing
  • 252.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 452.3K Spending & Discounts
  • 240.7K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 617K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 175.6K Life & Family
  • 253.9K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.