Bathroom issue HELP

Landlord Discussion Repairs & Maintenance
1

Hi all,

For the last year my tenants have complained that the plasterboard outside of the shower (low level) is wet and causing mould. I have spent thousands replacing the shower door, resealing with mastic, re-grouting and redecorating. I’m 99% confident the shower is water tight and the issue is occurring by the tenant leaving the sliding door open to allow the shower to warm up and the overspray causing an issue.

How do you suggest i go about this situation. I can’t afford to continue looking for a defect that doesn’t exist?

Thank you

2

is it a small tray and a large tenant?

3

Since you’ve already taken steps to address the problem, it might be worth having an open conversation with your tenants. Explain your efforts to make the shower water-tight and express your concerns about overspray. Encourage them to be mindful of keeping the sliding door closed during showers and see if that helps resolve the issue. Keeping those lines of communication open can lead to finding a resolution without breaking the bank.

4

I agree with Martin 57, but failing that you can waterproof that part of the wall (Mapei Waterproofing). This is designed to be tlled over so you get the protection of tiles and the waterproofng gunk. I suffered with tenants trying to create a sauna, keeping the door and windows closed. This caused paint to peel and condensation on the external walls under tha bath.

5

Hi all,

Thanks for your reply and advice.

I truly believe this is a lifestyle issue and not a leak. If i instruct a leak detection specialist and they find no leaks can i recover the cost back from the tenant?

Thanks

Daniel

6

Exposed plasterboard in a bathroom? Good grief.

7

The Leak Detection Specialist is going to perform a non-invasive thermal survey.

8

What you can do is invite a specialist and get a quote as well as their opinion on why the problem persists. If they confirm that it is a life-style issue, explain to TT that it’s up to them to pay the cost. Or they can change the way they shower to reduce condensation. Then leave them with a choice and a phone number of a specialist.
I know from my own experience that with some TT the more we tried, the more demanding they became. However, as soon as we put the foot down, all demands stopped, especially when TT realized that the problem is their own making and they may end up out of pocket. You always want to be a good LL and keep the TT happy. But people are different, and sometimes a different approach is needed.

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