Granite work surface in rented location - Problem

roadrash

Hi All,

My partner and I have recently moved out of a property we were renting from a company, through a private landlord i.e. it was not managed through the renting company but via the landlord directly. However under the tenancy scheme the company now holds our deposit.

Over the period of the 10 months we lived there we have numerous problems with the landlord.
Anyway, the kitchen has what we are told by the landlord is genuine granite work surfaces. When we moved out there were some marked made to the surface by, what we think were hot pan lids, and there were some marks when we moved in which the decorators had done to it (but were noted in the inventory).

However, the landlord wants us to pay for the marks on the surfaces, but having done some investigation online we have read that granite should not scorch under heat from pans or the like and will not discolour from citric acid, coffee, tea etc.

What are people’s knowledge/views on this?
In my eyes the surface should have been sealed before we moved in and the landlord should of let us know that the surface needed to be resealed every 3 months.

All comments welcome. Thanks.

fratty

I've had granite worksurfaces in past rental properties, and never once have I managed to mark them! I didn't think you *could* mark granite like that?

I am no expert, but sounds odd to me!

roadrash

Hi fratty.

Yes this was my thoughts too and something we have heard from various people. Hmm...
Thanks for your feedback...

Anymore for anymore???

subjecttocontract

There are lots of different types of granite, marble and real stone. Real granite doesn't need sealing.

Some granite will stain if you spill (and leave) the following : wine, fruit juice, cola, vinegar, lemon juice or acid containing cleaning materials. But you should have been supplied with instructions or you couldnt be expected to know.

jimc_2

Sometimes I've heard people describe Corian-type worktops as 'granite' when they are really granite look-alikes. No disrespect to Corian, but it IS possible to scratch/stain/mark those surfaces.

I'm puzzled by the comments about sealing. Is this something the LL brought up? I guess limestone might need sealing in a kitchen but I can't think of anything porous enough to need sealing.

Ewarwoowar2

Can you not argue that the damage is general wear and tear i.e. you shouldn't have to pay for it? The LL can't expect the flat to stay in pristine condition for ever.

Shelter define wear and tear as:

What counts as normal 'wear and tear'?

Your landlord cannot keep your deposit because of general wear and tear to the condition of the property. For instance, if the carpet gets a bit worn out, it's probably wear and tear, but if you burn a hole in it, it's not.
The amount of wear and tear it is normal to expect depends on the condition of the property when you moved in and the length of time you lived there. If you think you are likely to have problems it may be worth taking photos or getting a witness as early as possible in your tenancy.

http://england.shelter.org.uk/advice/advice-3003.cfm#wipLive-26603-4

Gingernutmeg

If it was limestone or slate then it might have needed to be sealed - sometimes when you seal stone you can get white rings etc from heat reacting with whatever it is you seal it with. Marble needs polishing as it can go dull, but I doubt you'd have marble worktops.

But granite is ... well, granite, and it's hard to damage it unless you really, really try. I think the LL's made a mistake here - and regardless of that, if the worktops needed regular attention then you should have been told and pointed in the direction of the right products. Maybe you should offer to pay a small sum to cover the marks you made, but you can't be expected to pay for all of the marks - wear and tear has to be expected.

roadrash

Wow! I have been sat here pressing the refresh button, but didnt expect such a large reply so quickly!
The landlord is a builder and built the house himself, and he also owns other properties, some of which he rents out to the manager of the person who runs the letting agents! Sigh!
Anyway, he took his "builder" round yesterday and is waiting for a quote to come back to fix the issue. So we will see!
We are quite willing to enter a tribunal case of sorts or take him to court over any issues arguing our case.
So, I will keep you all up to date! Thanks!

adr0ck

i'm confused by everyones replies here

it w\as my understanding that most granite in kitchens is fitted with "hot rods" to put your hot pans on etc otherwise the heat could mark the surface

why have we been putting "hot rods" in?

SquatNow

I susspect you are about to be stiffed.

It's almost certainly a cheap "granite effect" surface. No landlord in his right mind would splash out on expensive genuine granite work surfaces.

He will, of course, charge you the cost of replace a genuine Granite surface.

he might even be able to get receipts to SHOW it's genuine granite, with the real one ending up in soeone elses house.

snuffilin

Hi,

I work for a stone company and just to clarify, all natural stone needs to be sealed. Once or twice before installation and then a top up every 5-10 years. It is only heat resistent up to certain temperatures and anything acidic will burn the polish and therefore leave matt marks/patches. Lots of landlords buy genuine granite (I know because I sell it to them) but they are always advised of the risks and the high mintenance before hand. Do you know the name of the stone? Do you have a picture? I may be able to tell if it is infact genuine.

Snuffi