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Original poster

Damage during viewing

98 replies

helloimnew123 · 06/03/2023 14:52

Hi,

We viewed a property last week. In the bathroom there was a sagging ceiling. My husband touched it with his fingertips to see if it was damp and some of the plaster came away.

We did apologise and nothing else was said.

Today the estate agents have left a voicemail wanting to talk about the incident.

Obviously he shouldn't have touched it! But it was an accident and if the ceiling was in good condition it wouldn't have crumbled.

What would you do? Offer to pay to fix it? Are we going to get stung for a whole new plastered ceiling?

We are not interested in buying the property if that makes any difference

OP posts:
JamMakingWannaBe · 06/03/2023 15:00

Tell them to claim on their home insurance.
There's obviously been a leak somewhere.

CremeEggThief · 06/03/2023 15:02

Eh? Completely the responsibility of the homeowner and don't let anyone tell you any different!

Auliza · 06/03/2023 15:02

Did the agent accompany you? I believe it’s their responsibility to protect the homeowners property.

AllWorkYoPlait · 06/03/2023 15:02

Yeah, this isn't your problem. It's either a homeowner or estate agent insurance issue. If you broke an ornament or something I'd say you pay. Their soaking wet ceiling? Their problem.

Original poster
helloimnew123 · 06/03/2023 15:06

Thanks for your replies. The property is listed with an estate agents that are known to be aggressive, so I'm worried they will put lots of pressure on us to fix it/ pay for it.

Should we just say it's an accident and we aren't liable?

OP posts:
Original poster
helloimnew123 · 06/03/2023 15:07

Auliza · 06/03/2023 15:02

Did the agent accompany you? I believe it’s their responsibility to protect the homeowners property.

They were but I think she was on her phone or something and he just wondered off and touched it 🙈 obviously I wish he didn't!

OP posts:
CremeEggThief · 06/03/2023 15:17

Just ignore them. You have no responsibility for this at all.

You might have even done them a faour, if they weren't aware of the leak. Now they'll have to get it sorted instead of a potential nasty surprise down the line for an unwitting buyer.

CremeEggThief · 06/03/2023 15:18

Sorry, favour!

Auliza · 06/03/2023 15:18

helloimnew123 · 06/03/2023 15:07

They were but I think she was on her phone or something and he just wondered off and touched it 🙈 obviously I wish he didn't!

Show quote history

I still think it’s their responsibility, they shouldn’t leave you unattended either as agin they need to protect the property.

Daft of them to want to speak with you guys about it, definitely their problem!

louise5754 · 06/03/2023 15:20

It was bound to happen whether your husband touched it or not.

Fisherstevens · 06/03/2023 15:21

helloimnew123 · 06/03/2023 15:06

Thanks for your replies. The property is listed with an estate agents that are known to be aggressive, so I'm worried they will put lots of pressure on us to fix it/ pay for it.

Should we just say it's an accident and we aren't liable?

It wasn't an accident though - a ceiling shouldn't crumble after being touched with fingertips! I'd put it back on them, they've put viewers in danger with no prior warning of a damp sagging ceiling ready to collapse.

Passerillage · 06/03/2023 15:30

Put it straight back on them, and don’t imply for a moment that there is anything you could be responsible for here.

Hi Estate Agent,

Got a message about the ceiling and the plaster that fell down. No need for concern - only a small piece of plaster fell and DH was not hurt, although he easily could have been if more had come down. I am surprised that you did not warn us that the ceiling was unstable and dangerous before the viewing, or at least before going into that room.

We’ll be in touch if we are interested in making an offer. Do let us know if anything else come up etc etc.

lolilola · 06/03/2023 15:31

Passerillage · 06/03/2023 15:30

Put it straight back on them, and don’t imply for a moment that there is anything you could be responsible for here.

Hi Estate Agent,

Got a message about the ceiling and the plaster that fell down. No need for concern - only a small piece of plaster fell and DH was not hurt, although he easily could have been if more had come down. I am surprised that you did not warn us that the ceiling was unstable and dangerous before the viewing, or at least before going into that room.

We’ll be in touch if we are interested in making an offer. Do let us know if anything else come up etc etc.

THIS

NoBiscuitsLeftInMyTin · 06/03/2023 15:33

lolilola · 06/03/2023 15:31

THIS

Show quote history

Exactly this. Cheeky bastards.

Bodgejobvendors · 06/03/2023 15:33

Fisherstevens · 06/03/2023 15:21

It wasn't an accident though - a ceiling shouldn't crumble after being touched with fingertips! I'd put it back on them, they've put viewers in danger with no prior warning of a damp sagging ceiling ready to collapse.

Show quote history

This.

It’s perfectly reasonable to touch something that looks damp or crumbly when you’re viewing a property. I’d either ignore them or innocently reassure them that your DH was a bit surprised but not harmed and thank you for their concern.

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 06/03/2023 15:34

@lolilola

Excellent! 👏👏

Amadeaa · 06/03/2023 15:38

Yes, as above! Don’t apologise or mention ‘accident’, it wasn’t your fault.

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 06/03/2023 15:38

Do you actually know they want to get in touch to sting you for repairs and not to try and reassure you that it’s easily fixable and that it shouldn’t put you off the property?

ZeldaWillTellYourFortune · 06/03/2023 15:38

Passerillage · 06/03/2023 15:30

Put it straight back on them, and don’t imply for a moment that there is anything you could be responsible for here.

Hi Estate Agent,

Got a message about the ceiling and the plaster that fell down. No need for concern - only a small piece of plaster fell and DH was not hurt, although he easily could have been if more had come down. I am surprised that you did not warn us that the ceiling was unstable and dangerous before the viewing, or at least before going into that room.

We’ll be in touch if we are interested in making an offer. Do let us know if anything else come up etc etc.

This!

pontipinemum · 06/03/2023 15:40

Of course you wish he hadn't touched it because of the headache it is causing now.

But no way is it his fault, I wouldn't even call it an accident. An accident would be knocking a vase and smashing it. He touched something that should have been solid and it was not, it was something wrong with the ceiling.

Don't apologise to the agent, tell them you are disappointed they showed you a house where the ceiling nearly fell on your husband (bit dramatic I know)

MamOfFive · 06/03/2023 15:40

Turn it round on them end of the day the whole celling could of fell down onto your husband.

greenacrylicpaint · 06/03/2023 15:43

if you didn't swing a hammer on the valuables then it's their problem. not yours.

as a viewer I expect to be able to touch the surface of the fabric of the building.

GlorifiedChair · 06/03/2023 15:45

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 06/03/2023 15:38

Do you actually know they want to get in touch to sting you for repairs and not to try and reassure you that it’s easily fixable and that it shouldn’t put you off the property?

This seems more likely to me.

maddy68 · 06/03/2023 15:47

Say you are lucky you are not suing then for the plaster rfar came away and fell into your eye from their unsafe property and ask for the details of their insurance agent in case you decide to bring charges

greenacrylicpaint · 06/03/2023 15:51

and this is also the reason why as a tennant we never ever allowed unsupervised 'inspections' or viewings.