As a landlord can I run something past you guys.......

tonygold

I have just had an inspection report from my agents for a flat I rent out. The tenants are good and have been there 4 years.

On the latest report the agent has said that 2 floor tiles have cracked in front of the toilet in the bathroom and the tenant would like these replaced by me. Now I'm not sure if this is down to me. Tiles don't just crack but when I questioned this to the agent, she came back with: 

"I can confirm that the tenants have not damaged the tiles. Over time, wear and tear on the tiles from regular foot traffic and use can weaken them, making them more open to cracking".

Presumably it's not going to be possible to find 2 matching tiles so this sounds like a bigger job than it really is. I suppose what I'm asking is, should this be down to me at all? I have seen a photo and it is a single thin crack on each of 2 tiles next to each other directly in front of the loo.

I want to do the right thing so just putting it out there for opinions from you guys. I have always corrected any faults or repairs in the flat that have occurred over the years very promptly but I'm not sure with this one as it could turn out to be a whole floor that wants replacing?

Many thanks.

MeteredOut

I can't asnwer your specific question, but tiles can and do crack over time, especially if they've not been laid properly (eg, dot 'n' dab). When was the floor laid?

theartfullodger

Been there 4 years, presumably rent paid in full 'n on time is worth nurturing.

Agent has no way knowing if tenants are cause or not (unless 24x7 video of the floor for 4 years.. yueech..).  What were regular 4 year inspection reports like?

I'd try the approach of v sorry, propose new floor in 6 months then see what response.. others will disagree...

Having seen tiled floors put in our bathroom and shower rooms clearly easy to do it wrong.

MeteredOut

You could also see whether there's a local person who can "fix and fill" hairline cracks in tiles. We moved into the house where the entire ground floor was tiled, and some had cracks. The previous owner only left a couple of spares and we could not source replacements. We got someone out to fix some of the cracks and you have can hardly see them, even if you know they're there.

But... if the tile is cracking due to unsound fitting, it will likely crack again.

Sea_Shell

Do you have to replace with matching, or re-tile completely?

Is it from a safety or waterproof POV?

Are tenants entitled to aesthetic tiling, or just functional?

tacpot12

As per MeteredOut's advice, just because a tile is cracked doesn't automatically mean that it has to be replaced, but if the crack is exposing a sharp edge that could cut someone's foot, then it does need to be repaired. A Tile 'Doctor' is likely to be able to make the tiles safe to walk on and should be able to mostly hide the damage.

njkmr

If they are good tenants I would be inclined to look after them and do the fix that's needed.
Would you be able to cover the whole floor in cushion flooring? In effect renewing it with less hassle? It's basically Linoleum.
Ask tenants if they would be happy with this .

propertyrental

Best for LL to fix. Whether by replacement of 2 tiles, replacement of floor, or by 'fix and fill'.

Keep good relations with good tenants, and ensure your property is maintained.

tonygold

MeteredOut said:

I can't asnwer your specific question, but tiles can and do crack over time, especially if they've not been laid properly (eg, dot 'n' dab). When was the floor laid?

I've owned flat from 2012 and tiles were already in place then .

tonygold

tacpot12 said:

As per MeteredOut's advice, just because a tile is cracked doesn't automatically mean that it has to be replaced, but if the crack is exposing a sharp edge that could cut someone's foot, then it does need to be repaired. A Tile 'Doctor' is likely to be able to make the tiles safe to walk on and should be able to mostly hide the damage.

Interesting. I was unaware of this type of service. Thanks.

tonygold

I understand that obviously for good relations I should repair / replace the floor, but just out of interest, is it ordinarily down to the landlord the making good of this type of damage?
I will get this done either way as I do want to keep these tenants who are decent and prompt payers. I appreciate all your comments regarding this.
Many thanks.