Who is responsible for fixing. Me or landlord?

WindowGazers · 2023-03-05T22:27:35+00:00

Moved into a new rental property a couple of months ago. I connected up the washing machine, and upon someone coming to replace it for a newer model (landlord agreed as long as I disposed of old one), they pointed out that it had been dripping and there is water damage under the tiles in the kitchen. They said the drip is because the hose to the washing machine (installed correctly and securely) is old. I just used the ones the landlord left installed. Have emailed letting agents but this was last night and they haven't responded. Should I have noticed this sooner? Should I have checked the washing machine hoses weren't dripping? Could I potentially be charged for any damage? I'm really worried and don't have the skills to fix myself.

ThinWomansBrain · 05/03/2023 22:36

quite probable thar emails aren't checked on a weekend = or at least a Sunday. Even if it's an estate agents that are open all weekend, that might be sales/rentals only and not maintenance stuff. Presumably there's an emergency number - but this really isn't an emergency, although I appreciate that you're concerned.
Call them tomorrow if they don't get back to you form the email, and don't use the machine until this is sorted out - presumably there isn't any water leaking when it's not being used?

Original poster

WindowGazers · 05/03/2023 22:37

ThinWomansBrain · 05/03/2023 22:36

quite probable thar emails aren't checked on a weekend = or at least a Sunday. Even if it's an estate agents that are open all weekend, that might be sales/rentals only and not maintenance stuff. Presumably there's an emergency number - but this really isn't an emergency, although I appreciate that you're concerned.
Call them tomorrow if they don't get back to you form the email, and don't use the machine until this is sorted out - presumably there isn't any water leaking when it's not being used?

Yes the water was leaking when it wasn't being used. I'm not worried about them not seeing their emails. More the questions in my OP.

OP posts:

ThinWomansBrain · 05/03/2023 22:38

if the recent installation guy said it was fitted correctly, but the hole was old and leaking, then it doesn't sound as if it's your fault.

Original poster

WindowGazers · 05/03/2023 22:39

ThinWomansBrain · 05/03/2023 22:38

if the recent installation guy said it was fitted correctly, but the hole was old and leaking, then it doesn't sound as if it's your fault.

He said it was definitely fitted correctly as that was the first thing he checked so he could immediately rule that out as the cause of the leak. After inspecting the hose he could see it was damaged and gave me a new one with the new machine.

OP posts:

Cherrysoup · 05/03/2023 23:15

Pretty much everything is the landlord's responsibility, eveiyou break something. My tenants put in a washing machine, knowing the plug was faulty. They blew the electrics on Christmas eve and the call out (20 minutes work) was £500!! Luckily, I argued with the agent who asked for a detailed receipt, got £250 x 2 for this work and that work, called my own electrician who said the other guy was talking shit. Anyhow, it's the landlord's responsibility pretty much for everything.

Original poster

WindowGazers · 05/03/2023 23:17

Cherrysoup · 05/03/2023 23:15

Pretty much everything is the landlord's responsibility, eveiyou break something. My tenants put in a washing machine, knowing the plug was faulty. They blew the electrics on Christmas eve and the call out (20 minutes work) was £500!! Luckily, I argued with the agent who asked for a detailed receipt, got £250 x 2 for this work and that work, called my own electrician who said the other guy was talking shit. Anyhow, it's the landlord's responsibility pretty much for everything.

I'm pretty sure if a break something I can be billed for it. I have been in the past (broke a light fitting moving a wardrobe which cost £150 as needed re plastering also).

OP posts:

BrigitteBond · 05/03/2023 23:58

@WindowGazers you said in your OP "I connected up the washing machine".

Do you mean you connected up the machine that you're now replacing?

HirplesWithHaggis · 06/03/2023 00:15

Cherrysoup · 05/03/2023 23:15

Pretty much everything is the landlord's responsibility, eveiyou break something. My tenants put in a washing machine, knowing the plug was faulty. They blew the electrics on Christmas eve and the call out (20 minutes work) was £500!! Luckily, I argued with the agent who asked for a detailed receipt, got £250 x 2 for this work and that work, called my own electrician who said the other guy was talking shit. Anyhow, it's the landlord's responsibility pretty much for everything.

Why did you knowingly let a property with dodgy electrics?

Ariela · 06/03/2023 01:07

How do you know it hadn't been dripping with previous tenant/machine too?

HerNameIsIncontinentiaButtocks · 06/03/2023 01:24

HirplesWithHaggis · 06/03/2023 00:15

Why did you knowingly let a property with dodgy electrics?

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"knowing the plug was faulty". Not the socket.

HirplesWithHaggis · 06/03/2023 02:39

Fair point, thank you.

HirplesWithHaggis · 06/03/2023 02:39

And apologies to OP.

Cherrysoup · 06/03/2023 06:31

HirplesWithHaggis · 06/03/2023 00:15

Why did you knowingly let a property with dodgy electrics?

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What? Their plug was dodgy, not the electrics! Are you unable to read?! I'd just spent hundreds getting the epc.

Original poster

WindowGazers · 06/03/2023 07:20

BrigitteBond · 05/03/2023 23:58

@WindowGazers you said in your OP "I connected up the washing machine".

Do you mean you connected up the machine that you're now replacing?

No the original one, I basically screwed the hoses that were attached to the wall into the back of it.

OP posts:

loafintheoven · 06/03/2023 08:00

It should be covered by the landlord's insurance.

WinterMusings · 06/03/2023 08:11

WindowGazers · 06/03/2023 07:20

No the original one, I basically screwed the hoses that were attached to the wall into the back of it.

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Why was it disconnected?

Redebs · 06/03/2023 08:11

If the previous washing machine, installed by the landlord, caused the leak, then you're not liable. If you connected the hose, then it might be your responsibility.
If it was caused by the landlord's machine, then make sure you let them know the damage was caused by their machine and you discovered it. They might want to check for mould or rot damage if it was extensive, but usually a wipe over with bleach and letting it dry thoroughly will be all that's required. Tiles can be refixed when it's all dry, but it's a task for the landlord if they want to put it right.

Original poster

WindowGazers · 06/03/2023 08:35

WinterMusings · 06/03/2023 08:11

Why was it disconnected?

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No idea, I think the landlord might have thought I was a bit weird if I emailed him to ask why he didn't screw the hose in to the back of the washing machine for me 🤣

OP posts:

WinterMusings · 06/03/2023 21:42

WindowGazers · 06/03/2023 08:35

No idea, I think the landlord might have thought I was a bit weird if I emailed him to ask why he didn't screw the hose in to the back of the washing machine for me 🤣

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Well, if he knew it was leaking...