Loft won't close!

[sophiec123]

Basically we live in a rented house and our loft door just won't close! It's been left open now for quite some time. I have tried my hardest to find a part but cannot find any online. We have contacted our estate agents but they've told us we have to ask permission to use the loft (they didn't understand me when I told them that's irrelevant and has nothing to do with the use of the loft).. the part is like a plastic tear drop shape and turns to "lock" the door. Does anybody know if this part is available to buy or any other method of making it close?

a photo would help a lot

is the hatch on hinges?

does it lift up to open or swing down?

Were you provided with a hooked rod to open it? post a pic.

This is the catch.. as you can see the "tip" just isn't there

It swings down so it's been hanging open over our heads on the landing.

www.screwfix.com/p/loft-hatch-conversion-kit/5303P?tc=OT7&ds_kid=92700021630474779&ds_rl=1241687&ds_rl=1245250&ds_rl=1243324&ds_rl=1249481&ds_rl=1245250&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_aCHh7Xk4AIVaLXtCh0NlgvUEAQYASABEgJni_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#product_additional_details_container
This is the type of catch supplied with loft ladders I’ve fitted, you need a pole with a flat tip on it to turn and support the weight of the hatch 👍

Also there was a long metal hook left to open the loft

This happened to ours. The catch was a nightmare to replace so DH screwed it together as a temp measure, so we didn't lose all the heat up there.

I'd try a local Hardware shop if you have one? Or replace the entire catch system as we did.

Could You just attach a basic sliding bolt to the hatch to keep It closed?

That's what I thought @Shylo but seeing as we are renting I didn't want to do something that would affect our deposit if we ever moved

Thank you for all of your replies. I thought it'd just be a simple case of fixing a new part on but seems unlikely! Will try Screwfix/b&q and if no luck will fit a bolt lock

I would say it's something the landlord needs to repair tbh! It's not something you've even used?

@RandomMess I agree! I kind of get the feeling I have to "ask permission" to use the loft because they already knew it was broken. Who knows! One of my family members owns houses and rents them out and even he said he had never ever heard of this before

For a downeard-swinging hatch, I suggest a metal Fanlight Catch.

It can be released with your hooked pole.

The prong pushes the bolt into the hole in the receiver when you shut it. Usually two receivers are supplied, the tube-like one screws to the surface of the ceiling if it is flush with the underside of the hatch, or can can be packed out to be. If that won't fit, the flat plate is screwed to the edge of the "frame" that the hatch goes into.

They are usually made of grey metal, but brass-plated or chrome ones are available.

Here's an example, there are hundreds.