UK Landlord Forum / Life

Dear fellow landlords,

I'm a rookie landlond (in Aberdeen) and have less than a year experience as a landlord. So, quickly, here is my issue:

My tenant informed me that she switched the toaster on and went upstairs to get ready for work. When she came downstairs, the toaster was burning, and so was the boiler that was sitting right above the toaster. Forget the toaster; now the boiler is completely ruined and needs replacing (cost approximately £2K).

The tenant told me that it could be the timer on the toaster that was faulty. But this couldn't be proven.

I, on the other hand, believe that this is due to negligence of the tenant for putting the toaster under the boiler (as the bottom part of the boiler is exposed). I've lived in the property (before I actually rented it out) and have never placed the toaster under the boiler.

As a landlord, I know it would be my responsibility to repair/replace the boiler if it malfunctioned or unsafe for use. But in this case, there is no evidence showing that the toaster (the cause of the fire) is faulty and general inspection and inspection on electrical appliances were carried out before the commencement of the tenancy. So, should I bare the cost of repair?

My tenant wouldn't want to pay for it, neither do I (at least not the full cost).

My home insurance expired a few months earlier and I didn't renew it, as I was waiting for the current tenant to leave (they've decided not to extend the tenancy) before I get myself a new Landlord Insurance.

Has anyone got any experience or general advice when faced with such issue?

Cheers.

Dr. Ouch.

Send the Tenant the bill. If queried as to why... cite negligence.

The tenant caused the damage.

They should pay.

You are a knob for not having Insurance, but hey, arnt we all sometimes.

Go after them for what they owe, get what you can.