UK Landlord Forum / Life

My tenant came back from holiday today to find water coming through the kitchen ceiling. This was caused by a pipe joint coming apart, I am told the plumber is insured (with his Public Liabilty Insurance) but  the existing tenant was supposed to check out tomorrow April 21st and the new tenant checked in, my new tenant cannot move in now and will have nowhere to live at the moment.  I have been told his problem is not covered by the insurers.  Is the plumber's insurance liable for paying for my new tenant's accommodation until the property is habitable?

Quote from: Mickee on April 20, 2015, 10:38:15 PMIs the plumber's insurance liable for paying for my new tenant's accommodation until the property is habitable?

Genuinely, how could we know? I would respectfully suggest you ask the Plumber.

What about your insurance?

Quote from: Hippogriff on April 21, 2015, 09:46:19 AM

Quote from: Mickee on April 20, 2015, 10:38:15 PMIs the plumber's insurance liable for paying for my new tenant's accommodation until the property is habitable?

Genuinely, how could we know? I would respectfully suggest you ask the Plumber.

What about your insurance?

.                                 
I was wanting to know if anyone else had experienced this problem and if so what was the outcome for the incoming tenant. If every one knew the answers to every problem there would be no need to ask any questions!!

If the work that was done by your plumber has caused this then yes of course get him back.  He will have his own insurance if it's a lot.
If this is unrelated then you're on your own with it.

Have you found the incoming Tenant alternative accommodation today, as is surely your obligation?

Has the tenant who's moving in today signed the contract yet, if not and depending if they can stay elsewhere until all fixed then you may be ok. 
If they've signed a contract then they have a right to be accomodated so you'll probably have to put them up somewhere until house is ready.  You're insurance will cover this, mine does.
Is the kitchen habitable and would a case of wine/meal out etc sweeten the new tenant enough to put up with these unexpected works, after all shit happens.

Blame blame blame.....

Who can I blame..??

Why not just fix the leak, and repair the damage, get the tenant moved in, this would be more productive than either a) posting on a forum, b) trying to sue the plumber, c)going for a bike ride.

In business your first loss is your best loss, you are running a business, mitigate your losses by acting to reduce further losses. Fix it!

Innit!