UK Landlord Forum / Life

Nearly 20 years of being a landlord,but never asked to sort out a blocked sink until now.The L.A.told me the tenant had tried "all the usual methods" to no avail.Asked if I wanted to visit myself to sort it out,or should they call a plumber.I Googled,and it is apparently the tenants responsibility,as I suspected.I replied,saying that it was up to the tenant to arrange and pay for a plumber.However,if it was found to be due to something other than stuff poured down the  kitchen sink,I would reimburse their costs.

L.A..responded,they had gone ahead and called a plumber anyway.Claimed the responsibility was with the landlord to maintain internal sanitation,if the tenant had exhausted all reasonable means.I do realise some people have different standards of personal hygiene to mine,but does the kitchen sink count as sanitation? I think my suggestion was fair,and I object to tradesmen being called out on my behalf without my consent,, except in emergencies. They have said they will pass the bill to the tenant if it turns out to be food or cooking fat.They have not explained this to her though.

Comments please.

Well, LTA 1985 11(1)(b) describes a landlords responsibility to keep in repair " ... sanitation (including basins, sinks, ..."

However, 11(2)9a) exempts the landlord from the requirement  "to carry out works or repairs for which the lessee is liable by virtue of his duty to use the premises in a tenant-like manner ..."

So, if the waste pipe is defective, it's down to you, but if it's down to the tenants not taking reasonable care to keep the drain clear, then it's their cost.