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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask what to do?

31 replies

Nochecita · 01/10/2017 00:13

My flatmate damaged an expensive item of (landlord's) outdoor furniture by burning it accidentally. He immediately offered to sort it out "after payday". Three months later and nothing. I gently reminded him earlier and just got excuses. Why say you'll do it if you won't?!?!

OP posts:
Nazdarovye · 01/10/2017 00:18

What's it to you? It's between him and the landlord.

buckeejit · 01/10/2017 00:21

Ask flatmate to discuss with LL & cc you on email, otherwise you will discuss with LL. did you both pay deposit?

Original poster
Nochecita · 01/10/2017 00:32

What's it to me? We moved in together so are jointly liable... we are also friends so they should stick to their word!

OP posts:
ShirleyPhallus · 01/10/2017 00:34

What's it to you? It's between him and the landlord.

They've signed the contract together so they're jointly liable Confused

I'd sit down with him and explain proplerly / demand that he pays it and ask him when. Do not get fobbed off with excuses

Nazdarovye · 01/10/2017 13:06

No, he is just a flat mate. You didn't call him your friend or your boyfriend. So I assume you are not related and might even moved in at different times. Why would you be responsible for his actions? Why would you be the one who asks for money for the damaged goods? Unless you are subletting the property....

Original poster
Nochecita · 01/10/2017 13:21

As I explained we moved in together.

Secondly I'd quite like to enjoy my home. It's selfish of them not to replace something but keep promising that they will

OP posts:
Original poster
Nochecita · 01/10/2017 16:19

Bump

OP posts:
19lottie82 · 01/10/2017 16:25

What kind of burn are we talking about? A fag burn or a total write off?

In fairness wouldn't you be better waiting u til the start of next summer now anyway? Or until you move out, if before that? It seems a bit silly to replace an outside item now when it's just going To be pretty much unused / weathered for the next six months?

LexieLulu · 01/10/2017 16:41

What piece of furniture was it? Can you not pull your flat mate up?

Original poster
Nochecita · 01/10/2017 16:49

Ok it's actually the garden decking. Badly burnt. A burning item was placed upon it and a few panels are very burnt.

OP posts:
LexieLulu · 01/10/2017 16:52

Tough one as summer is over so I can see why not.

Just mention it "are you going to replace the decking before our flat inspection?"

gamerchick · 01/10/2017 16:55

That's an expensive mistake that isn't it? Decking isn't cheap, does your landlord know it's damaged?

Shadow666 · 01/10/2017 16:58

I remember your original thread about this. How much is it to fix? You need to be firm about this. If it's a lot maybe go for installments. How annoying!

Original poster
Nochecita · 01/10/2017 16:59

I don't know what to do though...

Landlord comes round regularly and currently a rug has been placed over it. I'm annoyed at the constant excuses as to why it hasn't been done (despite being promise it would be done over two months ago!) and feel like my good nature is being taken advantage of.

OP posts:
Original poster
Nochecita · 01/10/2017 17:00

I have offered to get quotes but have been told it "wouldn't be helpful" do it yourself then Am really pissed off about it

OP posts:
Shadow666 · 01/10/2017 17:02

Just do it. Get the quotes. Next pay day be a bit of an arse and tell him he needs to pay up now.

Original poster
Nochecita · 01/10/2017 17:48

Don't think that's gonna work! He's a forgot to pay for his round at the pub sort of guy

OP posts:
Original poster
Nochecita · 01/10/2017 21:31

Bump

OP posts:
Original poster
Nochecita · 01/10/2017 21:32

Having a house meeting soon - do you think it's fine if I just say "can we please make a plan for sorting this out?" I don't like rocking the boat

OP posts:
Shadow666 · 01/10/2017 23:26

Have you spoken to the landlord? You shouldnt really just get it fixed. Call the landlord, explain what happened. They will arrange for repairs and they will chase him for payment. We've had accidental breakages before but we've always arranged for the landlord to sort out repairs and then bill us.

hatemyname · 02/10/2017 00:38

Honestly you need to be firm about this and not care about hurting his feelings or rocking the boat. AT ALL.

He sounds like the sort of person to take financial advantage of people, ‘forgetting’ to pay for rounds, take outs, taxis etc. He’s mugging you off

I would book the repair near payday and tell him when it’s due to be carried out and that he needs to pay them, by x date.

Or even tell your landlord - maybe your landlord forcing him to repair it and chasing him directly will help. At least make your landlord aware that it wasn’t you that caused him the damage so they deduct from his deposit accordingly.

You need to toughen up. Or else when you move out, the cost of repairs will come from YOUR deposit, and he won’t pay you back.

Clearoutre · 02/10/2017 06:41

Firstly decide by yourself if you're willing to be jountly liable for the cost of putting this right or just your housemate. Then say to housemate 'I suggest we ask LL to fix it and bill us which you/we will pay back' - you may want to delay until next summer for practical reasons - LL may not. You may be able to persuade LL to pay back over 3 mths (for e.g.)...sounds like your flat mate is dodging responsibility.

PetalMettle · 02/10/2017 06:44

I agree with shadow - landlord might have preferred supplier etc. Make the flatmate call landlord/managing agent.

SleepFreeZone · 02/10/2017 06:58

You have to inform LL or make it so they can see the damage on inspection, otherwise you run the risk of the rectification being taken out of everyone's deposit ;which I assume is what your flat mate is angling for.

metalmum15 · 02/10/2017 07:10

Tell him you've spoken to the landlord and he's threatening to kick him out if he doesn't cough up within the week 😉

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