Who's responsibility are leaking pipes under the sink when renting ?

Pages_Tenant

I just moved in a new house and on day one I noticed the pipes under the sink were leaking. The landlord took care of it right the following day, which was greatly appreciated. The plumber replaced only the pipes that were leaking, and did nothing to 2 other which are all rusted and in rather poor condition imho (far from pretending to be a diy person) .
I wrote to the landlord to inform him about the work done by the plumber he called, and here is the exchange of e-mails and a picture from under the sink.
The reason I am writing is to request your advice, as from the exchange of e-mails I understand that he is saying that it's my responsability if there will be a future leak under the sink.
Your opinions are much appreciated and I'm greateful for any advice on how to handle the matter.
I might be worrying too much for nothing, but so far the landlord has been rather difficult on a series of problems (which I won't detail here) and I think he's trying to get away from important stuff.

Tenant :
The leak under the sink has been taken care of. Thank you. Not sure if you saw the work that has been done. I noticed only the leaking tubes were replaced, however the rest are in poor condition too, and might soon arrive at the same state as the one that was replaced. I want you to be aware of that in advance, as you saw how much disturbance the previous problem has caused.
Landlord :
The pipes under the sink were repaired, and all the other pipes are ok, otherwise the plumber would have replaced them, there is nothing wrong with them. If there is a leak in the future it's is your responsibility.
Tenant :
Just so I am clear are you saying that if any pipe bursts or leaks it would be my responsibility to fix and cover the cost? (Even if they are already at the beginning of the tenancy in a poor condition)
Landlord :
The pipes are not in a poor condition there is nothing wrong with them, you are not a professional plumber so your option is not valid, and one has already looked at them and said they are fine also the inventory guy has said they are ok. If you break them you are responsible for the repair.
* end *

G_M

The landlord is right that if his professional plumber believes the pipework is fine then there is no need for further work.

As I understand it, there is currently no leak. So no problem.

As for the future, no one can foresee that otherwise we'd all be lottery winners.

the landlord is also right that if you damage the pipes, you will be responsible.

But he is wrong in that you will not necessarily be responsible for a future leak; if it is wear and tear it will still be his responsibility.

I would cease this correspondence as it is all hypothetical. If/when there is a further leak, come back for advice.

Pages_Tenant

Thank you for your advice.
I wrote in the first place with the intention of being helpful. I understood that the plumber worked on his own and wasn't sure that the landlord knew how it all was done.
I was surprised that there were still some old pipes, some rusty. As I wiped with a tissue to check for any leaks I saw it was dirty and rusty.
Anyway, his answer was unexpected so thank you very much for the reassurance.
Make sense.

societys_child

Are you sure they're rusty?
Water pipes under sinks are normally copper or plastic.

Pages_Tenant

It's metal. Similar to the shower hose, if that makes sense.
(I'm a new user, hence I can't attach the picture)

datostar

Pages_Tenant wrote: »

It's metal. Similar to the shower hose, if that makes sense.
(I'm a new user, hence I can't attach the picture)

Do you mean a flexible metal spiral-wound affair when you say it's similar to a shower hose? They have a rubber or plastic inner core which doesn't rust.

saajan_12

The situation hasn't changed, you are responsible if you break otherwise functioning pipes. The LL is responsible if they break due to fair wear and tear.

However the email exchange is unnecessary. I understand you were trying to be proactive / helpful, but the LL doesn't know that, and may think you're being necessarily demanding to ask for fixes to things that aren't (yet) broken. I'd leave it at that now.

Pages_Tenant

I really can't attach a picture.
Anyhow, as I pass a tissue over it it's dirty and seems rusty to be. I'm not doing anything, as I don't want to cause any damage.

n217970

Does water come out of your tap when you turn it on?

Do the pipes under the sink currently leak?

If the respective answers are yes and no then leave well alone and don't worry about it.

anselld

datostar wrote: »

Do you mean a flexible metal spiral-wound affair when you say it's similar to a shower hose? They have a rubber or plastic inner core which doesn't rust.

.. but it can explode when the metal braid has rusted sufficiently.

AlexMac

Don't worry. Pipes usually look grungy on the surface. Even newish copper can oxidise quickly. I've lived in places with ancient (60-90-year old) pipes which were leak proof (albeit probably full of limescale inside; but that helps prevent heart-attacks!)

Your LL probably replied in slightly sharp or snotty terms because he wanted to discourage you contacting him other than in real emergencies...

As others say, there isn't a problem now, and he'd have to prove damage; which won't happen unless you take a hammer to 'em! I hope you enjoy your new place