Cracks in wall in every room in rental property

FutureGirl

I rent a top floor (third floor) one bed flat. Last summer I noticed there were cracks forming on one of the walls in the lounge. I informed the LL. She came round to do an inspection, and said she would get some quotes. She said that the walls probably need re-plastering with some mesh installation added inside, but this could cause quite a lot of disruption to us, as tenants.

I have kept the LL up to date, and sent her photos of them getting worse. I have since noticed that these cracks are now in every room of the flat, and seem to be near the windows. Due to being on the top floor I cannot see if there are cracks externally. LL has said she will discuss with one of the management company directors, as he is a surveyor (or architect? can't remember which one). But, again, this was last summer.

I am becoming quite concerned about the cracks, but the LL doesn't seem to be too bothered. We had a comprehensive inventory done on the property at check in, which shows no cracks, so I'm not too worried about being deducted money from the deposit when it comes to leave.

I don't know what the cracks are, and unsure what to do about them, if I should be doing anything?

agrinnall

Unless they are actually causing a problem to you I don't see that you need to worry about them at all. You've done what you need to by informing the LL, and actually it's probably better for you if nothing is done while you're renting as it means no disruption for you.

Alter_ego

Cracks in wall or cracks in plaster?

FutureGirl

I can see the cracks in the plaster. I can't see if they are in the wall as I'm high up.

Out,_Vile_Jelly

A hassle for your LL when they come to try and sell the place, but unlikely to be a problem for you.

Mojisola

FutureGirl wrote: »

I can see the cracks in the plaster. I can't see if they are in the wall as I'm high up.

Anyone you know have binoculars so that you can inspect the outside walls?

I'd be concerned if the cracks are all the way through the walls.

westernpromise

There is usually a visible difference between cracking caused by subsidence and other types of plaster cracking. Subsidence cracking is usually visible between doors or windowframes and the ceiling, and it quite often gets gradually bigger. If it's occurred before, you can often see repairs in those areas when you look at it from the right angle. You may be able to see it from outside but it can be hidden by things like drainpipes or wood cladding.

The cracking you see in newish plaster usually appears two winters after the plaster went on (because that's what central heating does) and is in no special location but often right in the middle of walls. Annoying, but no more.

Blown plaster cracking is where the plaster has lifted off the wall. You get cracks in all directions and a hollow sound when you tap it. You can often pull big sheets of it of the wall. The cracks don't get bigger but they spread until eventually the wall looks like crackle glaze china, at which point the plaster starts to come off the wall by itself.

I'm guessing blown plaster myself from what you've said.

MrJB

Was the property new when you moved in? Or was it substantially refurbished before you moved in? Plaster does shrink as it dries

Grenage

I wouldn't worry about it; if it's a real problem, it will become abundantly apparent.