my tenant asked to arrange plumber to fix the kitchen sink blocked, they mentioned have tried to using plunger and drain unblocker liquid, but fail.
is it a landlord responsibililty to fix? personally , i think it’s fine when i handover to the tenant , because of their personal practice to use, i think its fair that they should bear the related fixing cost.
pls advise. thanks all
If you want to keep a good tenant i would just go along and undo the trap ,pour it ito a bowl ,clean and fit it back
It is probably a tenant responsibility, unless there is a structural defect, but I would agree with @Colin3
Caustic soda is your friend. Often kitchen sink is blocked by TT pouring fat down the drain that later solidifies and blocks the opening. Caustic soda deals with it beautifully! You can buy it from Amazon or ebay. Use some and keep the rest for the next time. )))
As a tenant, personally I’d do it myself and not tell the landlord.
It’s an urgent need and the “handyman” appointment in England will probably take weeks. On the other hand, it’s a bit unfair to do unpaid work for maintaining the property I don’t own. If it involves buying tools or many hours of work, I would ask for compensation or suggest a professional.
So,
That’s my view of a sane approach worked in other countries. But English housing market never ceases to surprise me, it might be different.
Where do you get this from? I had a tenant who put baby wipes down loo and blocked it. My job to maintain?
Often issue is tenant refuses to acknowledge any wrong doing and passes responsibility onto LL. I generally sort the first time and try to identify cause and reiterate what they should or shouldn’t be doing.
Subsequent issues they get billed if they are the cause.
Where do you get this from? I had a tenant who put baby wipes down loo and blocked it
I get it from experience. All drains clog from time to time, no matter how accurate you are. Everyone has hair and body lipids which cause grease and block drain.
Lubrication of hinges and locks, tightening screws on furniture, small paint job, maintaining plumbing, servicing boiler, washing machine and dishwasher - all is responsibility of a homeowner. It’s not a property of a tenant. If there are manuals, they should clearly state what is expected to be maintained by a householder and what requires a “professional” to service.
Warranty and manuals usually lists all repairs and servicing expected. And all the unreasonable uses such as putting non-organic substances to the water waste. Some rental markets don’t even allow paper down the loo and it is clearly listed in the agreement, with a fine imposed. Some markets accept that people do stupid things and budget for it by installing equipment and servicing. English market is difficult, as the rent does not depend on the quality.
you have a mixed up list of what is a tenants responsibility and what a landlord should do. and Not correct to say ALL drains clog i have a few places that never had problem ever in 40 years
Fat and grease should not be tipped down sink or drain.
A simple plug filter (I provide) stops hairs going down bath or shower plug hole.
I lived in my last home for 10 years with no blockages ever.
Tenants laziness/ignorance/stupidity or the sense of “not my problem” is the usual culprit.
Absolutely. That attitude of “not my flat/house = not my problem” while the problem is tenant’s making, is very immature. Well, with one person like that we had to let them go. You just can’t keep wiping their behind all the time.
When it comes to plumbing issues, it can be a bit tricky, but here’s the deal, dude: Generally, the landlord is responsible for keeping things in working order, including plumbing stuff. But since your tenant gave it a shot with a plunger and drain unblocker, it’s fair to talk it out with them. Maybe split the cost or find a solution that works for both of you. Communication is key.
I always sorted out plumbing issue myself for my tenants. The sooner I can resolve the issue, the less hassle I may have from tenants.
I always use caustic soda in sink/bath between tenants just to start the next ones off on the right foot.
Such a useful chemical, isn’t it? We buy it wholesale.
I am not interested in what they class as landlord maintenance in other countries. This is a tenanted situation in the the UK that we’re discussing.
I make it clear to all my tenants from the onset that any repairs or remedial works up to the value of £60 are paid for by the tenant directly to the tradesman. I also make it clear that the tenant must pay the first £150 of any insurance claim.
your tenant need to sign any document for this arrangement?
lol I like your responses Tim
@Geoff . I’d be cautious of that, unless your tenancy agreement is watertight on these terms & expectations.