Purchasing a flat with current leak above

troffasky

This is a microcosm of the issues you may face living in a flat [sub-tenants who don't care, poor maintenance by others that you end up paying for because fixing it yourself is cheaper than enforcing your rights, etc]. If you don't like how this is going, pull out while you still can.

twopenny

AskAsk said:

these sort of leaks can be a nightmare to solve.  i wouldn't buy the flat until the plumber had been round to the flat above and reported on the problem and it is fixed.  the seller needs to sort it out before selling it.

Totally agree and would want my plumber and his opinion in writing at least.

Seems like the flat above is uncared for by the landlord and tenant. Relying on them to fix the problem you still have some serious work to put right the damage no knowing what is underneath or if it's gone further.

Painful though it is this is why you pay for a survey. Not to have ongoing problems unless you agree to them.

I personally would pull out because you don't know what will come next from above if it's not maintained.

Or you have the option of renegotiating the price with the seller if you really like the place, taking into account the time, expense and and trouble it's going to put you through to get this put right. If you know a builder who will do it for you this may be an option.

Keep in mind too that all trades are very busy at the moment so this won't be a quick fix

***Nicola***_2

Thank you for your thoughts. I do really like the place but worry about ongoing issues. I will ensure I get information in writing regarding repairs and next steps. 
Re: survey - I paid £700 for a full survey. Surveyor reported it as condensation 😔. At the time the leak was only just beginning but there was dampness on the bathroom ceiling and a small stain on the bedroom wall (adjoining bathroom) 

twopenny

Your photo it looks bad.

A crack all down the other wall too which seems to suggest there have been previous problems there..

I hope it's not dry wall. If it's plaster it's probably repairable but will need work then time to dry out. Welcome to the world of property ownership More security, more worry

***Nicola***_2

@twopenny the crack runs through plasterboard and I've been told it's caused by normal movement (30s property on London clay) and nothing structural. Hope that's the case 

twopenny

Replacing plasterboard is probably the best bet once it's got that wet. It will also allow you to check behind and clean it up, put your mind at rest when it's done.

I'm guessing the bathroom has been created from another room as it's 30's build. Though I've not heard of it cracking like that, diagonally. It's more the boards parting at the seams - but someone with more experience will put me right..

Nice era when they made the rooms in pleasing proportions so I can see why it attracts.

Mutton_Geoff

There could be bigger issues with the tenants above if they have a disinterested landlord. You may have revealed why the vendor is selling up. Don't make it your problem, look for another flat.