Granite work surface in rented location - Problem

angel81uk

I used to work for a granite wholesaler/importer and granite does require an awful lot of care. I'd never have it in my own home let alone put it in a rented property! It's unusual to find scorch marks, but putting a hot pan on a granite surface can cause it to crack. Also being a very porous material it is liable to staining, and as snuffi mentioned anything acidic will damage the polished finish.

In my experience sealing isn't all that commonplace (it should be though!) however a lot of the cheaper "black" granites are treated to enhance the colour. This can cause more problems. I've seen more cases than I care to remember where people leave wet glasses/cups/pans on a black granite worktop, the water then seeps under the treated surface and causes white rings which they can't get rid of.

However, in response to the OP's question, as granite worksurfaces aren't the norm and require special care I would agree that the landlord should have made you aware of this at the beginning of the tenancy/had it written into the tenancy agreement.

roadrash

Thanks to everyone that helped me out with this!

Through discussion this has now been sorted. The landlord did admit certain liability, so we split the costs 50/50. In the end....its easier to walk away and put it down to lifes little lessons...

J

ecoelle

Surely if the marks are recorded in the inventory then they were there before you moved in and so not your fault?

maxmanners

Yes such work surfaces do stain, the cheap easy solution is to use a work & bake mat made of silicone and non stick material. This grips to the work suface and tops fat, grease, butter, oil, acid, etc touching the worksurface. When you have finished using it you just wash it and roll it up.
Its available from NonStickKitchen.com and other retail outlets.

BitterAndTwisted

Thanks for the product-placement/plug. You must be desperate if you're dredging up old threads from March