I noticed a leak when running the washing machine. Initially, it did not happen on every cycle, so I was unsure whether the issue was with the machine itself or something else. The problem turned out to be a drain blockage one.
A professional drainage contractor attended the property and unblocked the sink. I asked both the handyman and the drainage contractor about the cause of the blockage. Both stated that they could not be certain, but suggested it may have been the result of years of build-up. The drainage contractor cleaned approximately 4–5 metres of pipework and recommended a further visit to clean an additional 7–8 metres.
My landlord arranged and paid for the drainage work. However, approximately two weeks later she called unexpectedly and demanded that I reimburse the cost. She is now relying on Clause 2.61 of the tenancy agreement and insists that I am responsible.
At no point during any of the visits did the handyman, the drainage contractor, or the landlord suggest that the blockage had been caused by tenant misuse. Nor was I informed that I might be liable for the costs. The first allegation of tenant responsibility was made around two weeks after the works had been completed.
I do not believe I am liable for these costs. A blockage requiring 4–5 metres of pipe cleaning seems unlikely to have developed within approximately six months of my tenancy, particularly as I was away from the property for around four weeks during that period. I also do not dispose of food waste down the sink. Furthermore, the professionals who attended could not identify a specific cause and suggested that the blockage may have been the result of long-term build-up.
I even offered to split the cost as a compromise, but my landlord remains adamant that I should pay the full amount.
Had a tenant once who within a few months reported a blockage. The drain clearing company identified baby wipes as the cause, the tenant had a sister that visited frequently who flushed them down the loo.
Your situation is hard to prove, but a cctv survey may have helped. Your suggestion of splitting bill sounds very reasonable.
You need to see strong written evidence of the cause apportioning blame, a report by the drainage contractor from CCTV before any suggestion that its all your fault and not long term build up of ‘crud’ in the pipes which is more likely.
However, I am no expert on rental drain blockages. There are plenty of advisors on here.
As long as you have not been washing cooking oils or fats down the drain which then cools and builds up inside the pipes and eventually blocks them. This can be a cause but its a slow process.
LL was probably shocked by the invoice totals from the drainage company and handyman and was jolted into action to demand payment from you.
Personally, I can’t see how you are responsible. This seems to me to be a typical issue with drains in flats and the extent of the blockage does, as you say, seem to indicate that it was historic accumulation.
I’m surprised that you offered to split the cost if you are adamant that this has nothing to do with you. It gives the appearance of admitting liability.
I’m equally surprised that given your offer, the LL didn’t agree.
I suggest you decline to pay and tell them to try to claim it from the deposit if they believe they have a case. This makes it independent of either of you as the scheme will hear arguments from both sides and make a decision. Unless there is strong evidence that you caused it, theyre unlikely to find in the landlords favour
I only offered splitting in good faith otherwise I am pretty confident the blockage was not my fault. But after her pressurising me to pay the full amount I decided I will not put up with this.
It is a grey water drain, i.e. nothing to do with sewage or baby wipes, it is the sinks, baths, appliances. I could speculate on what blocked it up but fact is landlord arranged for it to be unblocked but seems did not ask contractor to provide evidence of what blocked it, so it is landlord’s responsibility.
Without any solid evidence from your LL proving that your are responsible for the blockage, they cannot charge you for this repair. Even more, the plumber is siding with you by saying that it is most probably due to years of cumulative residues.
Do not even offer to pay half for this repair. This is part of doing proper maintenance to the property, the LL’s asset. Let them dispute it with the deposit scheme when the tenancy ends (Without evidence, the deposit scheme will side with you as well).
And expect harsh/shady behavior from your LL from this point on.
Suggest put in writing to LL what the handyman and drainage contractor told you so you have it on record to show to deposit scheme in due course.
And explain to LL that
"Maintenance is the responsibility of the Landlord and any charge for this would be illegal under the Tenancy Fees Act 2019.
in absence of evidence that you caused any damage, you are politely refusing their request at this time. The blockage has evidently occurred due to a build up over time and a lack of maintenance. Drains should be checked and cleared annually. Can the LL confirm when they were last checked?
However if your actions are indeed causing blockages then that will become apparent in 6 months time and conversely if not then there will obviously be no further blockages. You suggest reviewing again in 6 months time."
That would be proportionate and reasonable so that if indeed it is something you’re doing causing blockages you are accepting that could then be your responsibility to deal with repair costs.