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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think this isn't acceptable!

84 replies

2MumsAreBetterThan1 · 14/10/2012 19:26

Have just had a new bathroom installed by the landlord (social housing) of my home as part of planned improvement works they are doing.

I tried to say no to this as just 6 months earlier I had re-tiled and decorated the bathroom as well as fitting a shower (all with permission) but was told I had no choice, fair enough not my house.

Anyway they came and ripped out my brand new tiles, flooring and shower and also the bath toilet and sink, all this was skipped, such a waste considering most of it was brand new! The toilet only replaced 6 weeks ago as part of a repair!

They then obviously fitted new one's in their place.
Now here is the problem. The bath they have fitted is SO SO narrow it's unbelieveable! It's 4 inches narrower than the old bath PLUS it curves inwards so in actual fact at the narrowest point is a good 6 inches narrower.

I actually cannot fit!

I am a size 14, not tiny but not huge either, a little over average I believe and I am so squashed in the bath I cannot move and I have to lie/ sit with my arms up in the air as there is no room for them!

My hips and shoulders are too wide, it is physically impossible to wash like this.

Don't get me wrong I am gratefull of the housing but I do pay my rent and I don't feel I should have to put up with this, especially as my bathroom was immaculate, almost brand new and had no issues.

Now I have one I cannot use, what on earth do I do?

They have not finished the work yet, coming back to do the tiling tomorrow. Do I let them carry on or refuse any more work until this is sorted?

I told the plumber it was too narrow, before trying it and was told thats what everyone has, no choice.

OP posts:
Original poster
2MumsAreBetterThan1 · 14/10/2012 20:02

Oh FFS!

His seat dosn't fit.

I can get it in if I push really hard but it won't go right to the bottom as the bath isn't wide enough, wouldn't feel very safe about it not being secured properly. After all the whole point of the bath seat is to keep him safe and secured.

I could cry right now.

OP posts:
Original poster
2MumsAreBetterThan1 · 14/10/2012 20:04

takemyeyes That is the too very ends, the widest point that is 20 inches.

Have you looked at the link?

The part of the bath that is 20inches is not enough to sit, it narrows from 20 right down to 17 inches so there isn't enough room to sit at the 20 inch part, if that makes any sense.

And have just updated, it dosn't fit.

The seat is 18inches wide so thought I would try it but it wont go all the way down.

OP posts:
TakeMyEyesButNotTheGoat · 14/10/2012 20:07

They will have to change it then.

Try not to get too upset, call the housing officer or the project manager and explain about the bath seat.

I'm sure they will change it.

Original poster
2MumsAreBetterThan1 · 14/10/2012 20:09

Going to call again first thing, didn't even think to check until my partner mentioned it.

I mentioned when they fitted the bath it seemed very narrow but they said everyone has that one so assumed it must be bigger than it looks, it's really not though.

If it was 20 inches all the way down it would be fine, or even 20 inches at one end fine, but it narrows in the middle.

And they have bloody taken my shower, was planning on re-fitting that when they were finished.

OP posts:
IneedAsockamnesty · 14/10/2012 20:10

takemyeyes.

its fairly normal for social housing tenants to do bathroom/kitchen or just home improvements due to the shocking state some of the houses are in and the crappy bodge it and scarper work loads of the la's have got away with doing for years and years.

OutragedAtThePriceOfFreddos · 14/10/2012 20:11

Complain to anyone and everyone you can on the phone. Make a pest of yourself. It sounds like a ridiculous waste of only for them to have done this, and then for them to provide you with something that's not even fit for purpose is even worse.

I hope you are listened to and manage to get it sorted soon.

RandomMess · 14/10/2012 20:11

I remember these ridiculously narrow baths being on watchdog - DH is very tall and we soon worked out that it was the width and depth that was more important than the length of the tub.

I hope you get somewhere, our shaped bath like that was a nightmare, I loathed it with a passion. probably fits some water saving criteria somewhere...

HecateLarpo · 14/10/2012 20:13

Sorry. I thought it was the one on the link, which shows a big end and a little end.

You really do need to go to them with your letter of permission and ask why the holy hell they agreed this only to rip it out when you didn't want them to. They've wasted your money.

I have done improvements to my HA house. I have a tenancy for life, it's as good as a home I own (or rather the bank owns and which would be mine when I was 65! Grin ) so it's not the same as private rented. So I don't think it's daft of you to have done it. I think they are totally wrong to give you the go ahead when they knew that they had these planned works and would not permit you to keep the suite you'd paid to have in.

They have really screwed up here and you need to make them admit it.

Original poster
2MumsAreBetterThan1 · 14/10/2012 20:15

Partner has re-measured.

I measured the inside of the bath at the top, it narrows towards the bottom as well.

So the middle of the bath at the base on the inside (still following) is 15 inches. This same part at the top is 17 inches.

The ends of the bath are 20 inches at the top and 19 inches at the base.

It it was a straight bath it would be fine, it's the stupid bloody bit that curves inwards at the middle.

What if they won't change it? What do I do?
I can't afford to do it myself, especially as they have taken the old bath now.

OP posts:
TakeMyEyesButNotTheGoat · 14/10/2012 20:16

Sock - I completely agree with you.

But DP comes home with all sorts of stories about disgruntled tenants.

Just asking DP for advice for you now OP.

IneedAsockamnesty · 14/10/2012 20:16

you can also ask why they took your shower, they should have left it behind for you to use as you wish.

but make it very very clear that his seat is a disability aid you could also talk to your mp if you have no joy.

Original poster
2MumsAreBetterThan1 · 14/10/2012 20:19

Hecate I didn't pay for a suite.

I only fitted a shower, replaced the tiles (that were cracked and falling off the walls) and fitted new flooring, toilet seat, cupboards etc.

Didn't replace the actual bath, toilet and sink myself.
Permission was granted for shower fitting and change of tiles.

The council replaced the toilet themselves 6 weeks ago as it stopped flushing and the bath has been replaced one whilst I have been here (5 years), sink never done and could have done with it to be honest which is why I suggested replacing sink and leaving the rest.

The bath is like the one in the link in the sense that it narrows in the middle but both the bigger ends are the same, both 20 inches.

OP posts:
HecateLarpo · 14/10/2012 20:22

Oh, sorry. Got hold of wrong end of stick again!

In fact, I seem to be holding a whole other stick! Grin

It's probably not even a stick! Gin

Ask them to come and see the bathroom and show them the problems. Ask for the value of the shower back, since it was your property and you didn't give them permission to take it away.

TakeMyEyesButNotTheGoat · 14/10/2012 20:24

DP just said every council and HA have a department that deals with disability adaptations for the home. But every council and HA have different names for these departments that he's worked with. If you call the council/housing officer they should be able to tell you the name of the department. They will come out to assess your sons need for a bigger bath.

DP just said he had a case like this just last week. They are re-fitting a new bathroom for the tenants needs

Original poster
2MumsAreBetterThan1 · 14/10/2012 20:24

*Didn't realise they took the shower at first, they disconnected as they told me it was wired up incorrectly. Should have had 10mm cable and only had 6mm or something like that.

Was fitted 6 months ago by qualified electrian, have safety certificate to prove it etc. They then told me if I pay £220 they will fit me one, that's what everyone is being told.

Doubtfull the shower was wired up wrong as checked the electrician's badge etc. used a reputable company and not had a single issue in the 6 months we have had it.

Have also done the same with a neighbour, taken her shower out and told her it's too old so if she wants one she needs to pay.

I was just going to get it re-fitted when they left seeing as I have permission for it but realised later on they had taken it with them, along with my nice pink toilet seat and my new glass light pull cords :(

OP posts:
Original poster
2MumsAreBetterThan1 · 14/10/2012 20:25

takemyeyes Thank you.

Do I refuse to let them tile tomorrow then?

If the bath will be replaced it's stupid to tile and then potentially have to re-do it, even more money down the drain then.

OP posts:
Wallace · 14/10/2012 20:33

That is theft. I am very Angry on your behalf.

SHRIIIEEEKPoolingBearBlood · 14/10/2012 20:41

Lurking. Hope you get this sorted. Ridiculous wastw!

TakeMyEyesButNotTheGoat · 14/10/2012 20:42

Yes. Just explain to the bathroom fitters the situation. They should ring their projects manager or foreman. If he's any good he will arrange someone to visit you but DP's advice is to still contact the council.

KellyMarieTunstall · 14/10/2012 20:47

Yes .

Stop them from tiling tomorrow . Get on the phone and moan like a good'un until you get a proper response.

Also shout from the rooftops about the theft of your belongings.

Sometimes the contractors act as if all social housing tenants are less than human and ought to be grateful for having any work done at all.

TakeMyEyesButNotTheGoat · 14/10/2012 20:52

You have every right to demand your shower, seat and your pull cords back.

Cheeky fuckers!

If they claim they have 'disposed' of them, you can put in a claim for it.

TakeMyEyesButNotTheGoat · 14/10/2012 20:55

You have every right to demand your shower, seat and your pull cords back.

Cheeky fuckers!

If they claim they have 'disposed' of them, you can put in a claim for it.

Original poster
2MumsAreBetterThan1 · 14/10/2012 20:55

What if they say no to replacing the bath?

Is there any obligation for them to do so?

I'd be happy with my old one back, dosn't have to be a new one, just one we can bloody use and i'm not squashed into.

Can they tell me tough, do I have any comeback at all or do I have to accept it?

OP posts:
TakeMyEyesButNotTheGoat · 14/10/2012 20:56

Oops my phone is going mad Blush

RobynRidingHood · 14/10/2012 20:59

I replaced my bathroom last year. I cannot believe how small baths are now made. I no long like bathing as its at least 6 inches less deep and alot narrower. I liked wallowing on a Sunday afternoon. It all seems too much effort for a paddle now.

Generically, bath sizes have reduced, water consumption, going green etc Bloody annoying.