UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi Everyone,
I've had a very similar issue that many of us have encountered where baths, with showers over them, cause water on the floor or start to leak.
My first instinct was to replace them with walk in showers however someone questioned whether this would make the property less attractive to future prospective tenants.
I genuinely have no experience of this as all my properties have the combined bath/shower setup and I was wondering if anyone here had encountered any issues or had any insight?
Thanks,
David.

I have shower cubicles in studios, no room for baths. The other two properties have bath with shower over, which is what I also have myself. Showers are the general preference I think, but for me when you are cold and achey there is nothing to beat a hot soak. We are all different.

You may be limiting your market slightly with only showers. Baths are very useful where small children are involved.

It depends what market you're aiming for. Young families are more likely to be put off by the lack of a bath, whereas households without children may well prefer the convenience of a walk-in shower, especially if the existing bath is less than spacious.

These are the things I'm thinking myself. That's why I wondered if anyone had come across a problem finding a tenant because there was no bath. Maybe I should ask my existing tenants what they think?

I think it has been explained that you cut the number of potential applicants.

Personally I can't believe you are considering spending money on a new shower (or bath and shower) when the issue is just to fix the leak.

You do not say whether you have a shower screen or a shower curtain, there are pros and cons to both.  A shower curtain can become unsightly and mouldy but they cost a few pounds at Argos to get a cheap "value" one.  A shower screen, if fitted properly can be completely water tight but it require more cleaning.  Even if you spray it with those after shower sprays they just move the residue to the bottom of the glass.

If there is a problem with a bath leaking when a shower is used then replace the sealant around the bath.

If there is a problem with a shower screen then make sure it has good seals, between different panes if it has more than one section and/or between the screen and the bath.  It needs to be level, if the bath itself is not level then that will be the issue.  You can get translucent sealer for the screen, but do not seal the part that opens over the bath.

If there is a problem with a shower curtain then inform the Tenant that this is a "user" problem and instruct them on how to prevent leaking.  I know it sounds basic but the shower curtain should be inside the bath and it should not be left in the gathered position when trying or it will attract mould. 

I think it is better to deal with the problem you have rather than invest in a walk in shower, if badly installed it could still leak and there is more to damage.