Leaking mouldy pipe in rented property!

janinexo

Hi All,

I moved into a rented property last week, upon moving in there was a musty smell. We assumed the property just needed airing out. After trying to ventilate the property, and having no lucky we started to investigate. Turns out there is a very mouldy pipe under the sink which is leaking. From the mould on the pipe it looks like it’s been an ongoing/ ignored problem, in which at some point has leaked badly and in turn warped the wooden flooring in the kitchen. The dining room next to it also has warped floors. I feel the landlord was aware of this as they have attempted to cover it with a mat. The whole property has the pungent smell! (I also have a young child).

This was let through an agency, what are my rights? Is this course for inhabitable as I am unable to use the kitchen due to the Putrid smell and small fruit flies.

cjmillsnun

First off. Clean the pipe. Use some disinfectant and a dishcloth. Throw the cloth away afterwards. This should deal with the smell and the flies.

Next.. Check to see if it is still leaking.

Report the warped floors (and the pipe if it is still leaking) in writing to the address to serve notices detailed on your tenancy agreement.

bobbymotors

1. Its not uninhabitable, dont exaggerate
2. young child is irrelevant
3. call the landlord - his name, address and hopefully phone number have to be on your agreement
4. if you cant call write to the landlord (pen, ink and paper)
5. let the letting agency know too
6. take photos in case anyone tries to blame yoy
7. if all else fails get someone handy out, it sounds like a loose connection on a waste pipe

kimplus8

bobbymotors wrote: »

1. Its not uninhabitable, dont exaggerate
2. young child is irrelevant
3. call the landlord - his name, address and hopefully phone number have to be on your agreement
4. if you cant call write to the landlord (pen, ink and paper)
5. let the letting agency know too
6. take photos in case anyone tries to blame yoy
7. if all else fails get someone handy out, it sounds like a loose connection on a waste pipe

I wouldn't call the landlord just yet, contact the letting agent in the first instance, email so you have a record.
Taking photos is good, to cover yourself and then you can send these in an email to the letting agent.
Only if they don't respond should you contact the LL direct, you are more likely to get a favourable response if you contact the letting agent first and don't go over their heads IMO.
If you get out your own handyman at a cost to yourself you will be hard pressed to get a refund for this as the letting agent/landlord will not like to pay for a service not provided by their own service providers IME.
Hope this helps

Cakeguts

You have to contact the person who is managing the property. Who were you told to contact about repairs?