Housing association replacing like for like?

Gavclaremont

I’m a housing association tenant (Guineas partnership) and we are due to have our bathroom replaced under the HA’s planned maintenance program. The bathroom is currently fully tiled but the surveyor that came to look at the bathroom has said they are only tiling around the shower(over bath shower) and behind the sink. 

I think they should be replacing the tiles like for like not effectively downgrading the current bathroom with less tiling? 

I’m waiting on a call back for the HA but wondered if anyone had some previous experience of something similar or if anyone knows the legalities or anything I can use to bolster my case should they deny my request, I’d be most grateful 

maisie_cat

I suspect that as long as the bathroom meets decent homes standard you get what you are given.
Think about it from the landlord's perspective, tiling is expensive so limiting the amount to the areas that really need it means that more tenants can be serviced from the same budget.

deannagone

Is it really worth demanding tiles all over the room when they aren't needed (to protect areas that need to be water resistant)?   It might not be like for like, but times are different now, budgets are more restricted and you WILL get out of this a new upgraded to modern specs bathroom with shower.  So personally I think you will gain rather than lose.  Can you look at it from this point of view?  Wall to ceiling tiling is not really needed.

Gavclaremont

Thanks for the reply, again my understanding (possibly wrong) was that they should replace like for like. I’m sure if I was to ask permission to redo the bathroom myself they would expect me to do it like for like with what is currently there? 

deannagone

No they'd expect you to do it to current specs.  But you can always clarify this with them.

wilfred30

I think you should just be grateful that you're getting a brand new bathroom.  Tiling the entire room unnecessarily is a complete waste of time and, more importantly, money.

Of course you can ask but it is almost certain that your request will be denied, quite rightly IMO.

babyblade41

Housing associations need to budget and as a tax payer I am happy they aren't wasting money tiling when it's un necessary .

By doing this they will be able to provide upgrades to even more social housing which can only be a good thing for everyone 

Gavclaremont

It’s not a case of just being grateful though Is it? They are upgrading the bathrooms after 30 years! My partner and I both work, pay our rent and service charges and have actually spent a lot of money on their property over the last 5 years( incl. £2000 flooring). As we want a nicer home to live in. IMO it would cost as much if not more to remove the old tiles and make good all the plaster work before painting then it would to retile.
I’m not asking for anything extra, just what is there currently to be replaced to the same spec, is that unreasonable? 

Gavclaremont

babyblade41 said:

Housing associations need to budget and as a tax payer I am happy they aren't wasting money tiling when it's un necessary .

By doing this they will be able to provide upgrades to even more social housing which can only be a good thing for everyone 

Housing associations are private companies are they not? So It’s not taxpayers money, also I work full time and pay tax too, just to clarify 

wilfred30

IMO, it is totally about being grateful that you are getting a brand new bathroom for free.

The HA might be more amenable to the idea if you pay for the whole room to be tiled yourself.

comeandgo

The housing association do not care that you have spent your own money to improve their houses, they will put you back to the standard they use in all their houses.  My mother refused to let them “ improve” her kitchen as it had been made to her specification by family members.