Liability for broken glass

Leonichol

Good day,

We currently rent a house and was wondering about who is liable for the charges to repair a patio window (or as it seems, the entire patio, due to its age).

While we were out, our poor dog seemingly broke the glass, probably by running through it - evident by her wounds

Nevertheless, we have been told by the landlord that we are liable for its repair costs, which is fine, however we would like to be sure. The reason for the lack of certainty is that when we called someone out to look at the glass, they told us that the glass should never have been there, as it was made illegal due to the ease in which it can break. They said something about how it should be laminated or reinforced.

Therefore it is in all likelihood that the glass would not have broke had the correct glass been installed. This onus to compliance of the law is something we believe is the landlords responsibility.

Any advice gratefully received.

Debt_Free_Chick

Leonichol wrote: »

While we were out, our poor dog seemingly broke the glass, probably by running through it - evident by her wounds

On that basis, it would be your repair .....

Nevertheless, we have been told by the landlord that we are liable for its repair costs, which is fine, however we would like to be sure. The reason for the lack of certainty is that when we called someone out to look at the glass, they told us that the glass should never have been there, as it was made illegal due to the ease in which it can break. They said something about how it should be laminated or reinforced.

I doubt it's "illegal" - it could be not in line with current building regs, but it might have been acceptable when first installed.

Therefore it is in all likelihood that the glass would not have broke had the correct glass been installed. This onus to compliance of the law is something we believe is the landlords responsibility.

Any advice gratefully received.

I really don't see any merit in pursuing this one. Impact broke the glass .... had the door been reinforced steel it would have survived the impact, but I doubt the same would apply to the poor dog.

Building regs - if indeed it applies in this situation - are advisory. If one chooses not to comply, then the local building control officer will simply refuse to supply a compliance certificate - but he cannot stop you having ordinary glass in a situation where reinforced glass is recommended.

Just my view ... see what others think

haylibo

Safety glass is a requirement for new builds but I'm not sure what the position is for landlords. Is there a health and safety dept at the council you could turn to?

chappers

Any glass below 800 mm from the floor for a window or 1500mm for a door or panel extending to 300mm from that door shal be of a safe type.

However as pointed out these are the current regs since at least 1998, the glass could have been there since before the regs came into force and there fore would not have needed to comply.

lil_me

If my dog damaged something I'd expect to have to have it repaired/cover the costs. Try a door curtain if it's running to it because of a cat/bird etc being in the garden to save future damages.

Old_Git

does it say anything in your tenancy as to who is responsible for windows

diana11

Any breakages caused by tenants will need to be paid for by the tenants or else will be deducted from the security deposit.Most landlords do not want pets and even if they do allow them, the general rule is to take an extra £100 deposit money to cover such damage. The landlord will expect the tenant to replace the glass.

PasturesNew

I think landlords have to have safety glass fitted.

Even if the glass was fitted before newer regs came out, there's still that obligation:

http://www.lettings-landlords.co.uk/info/liab_land.html

chappers

Good point PN looks like the original poster may have aclaim after all, maybe a claim for a vets bill too.