UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hello just after some advice please.  I noticed a leak wet patch coming through to my kitchen ceiling, every time I ran the water in the bathroom it would get worse and now a crack has formed in the ceiling which gets bigger. The landlord sent a plumber round yesterday a week after me telling him about the issue. The plumber said the whole thing needs ripping out, floorboards are rotten, tiles have cracks in between and behind the tiles it's mouldy and rotten. The plumber told me if it don't get fixed properly the bath will go through the ceiling. I knew there was a issue as there's always mould no matter how much I clean it. The issue is the landlord has texted me to say him and has dad will be round to fix the leak Saturday morning. I know they aren't qualified plumbers, he said they are just going to stop the leak. What about the rest of the bathroom? And the kitchen ceiling?! Is he allowed to do this or should it be a professional.

Is he allowed to repair his asset in the way that he thinks he should (despite any money-grabbing self-interested advice from a 'professional' that you just happened to hear). Plumbers are talkative little bleepards.

Of course he should.

You are also allowed to vote with your feet and find somewhere better. If the bathroom goes through the floor that would probably be a different matter... but I'd bet it likely doesn't. You don't hear of that very often, do you? A 'professional' Plumber, on the other hand, might have you thinking it happens all the time...

All the trades seem to have their favourite catchphrases designed to scare the bejesus out of punters.I have heard and fallen for all of them in the past.
Roofers "If that lot comes down it could kill someone".How many people are going to climb up the ladder to take a look?
Plumbers "That floor needs ripping up,otherwise you could be both killed and deeply embarassed when you're taking a bath"
Electricians (Grr!)  "The whole place could catch fire,but you'll already be dead from electrocution"
Did this particular plumber take up some flooring and remove tiles to take photos?

Yeh I have photos of the under the bath the floorboards are soaked and rotten. Makes sense why it's leaking through to the kitchen ceiling

Have they said they will be replacing the rotten floorboards too? I would see what the outcome is of their visit.If they can stop the leak and the damp it will be a lot less disruptive for you than having tradesmen under your feet for days.If they don't remedy the problem you could report it to the local council,but this can have consequences for you if they decide to serve notice.In fairness to the landlord,a week is not an unreasonable time to wait for a plumber to attend a non-emergency.In many areas of the country you would be lucky to get one who is available at all.

Floorboards are stronger than people think. And, once the leak is fixed, they'll probably dry out over time. Things like this always look worse when wet... especially if things have started to grow. You are a Tenant, not the home owner... fix things in the exact way you want when you own a property.