UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi all.
My tenants keep blocking the toilets and drains. We hired a company that cleaned the drains.

When it happened again the estate agency suggested that we put a clause in the tenancy agreement that if they block the system again they will have to deal with it. 
They blocked one of the toilets, we hired a company who unblocked it and they found out that the tenants have flushed tampons, sanitary towels and wet wipes which is what caused the blocking and stated in the tenancy agreement that they should not be flushing it down the toilet.

We bought them drain hole covers for the showers and kitchen but during the last inspection it was found that they removed them and there was a ton of food visible at the kitchen drains and hair down the showers.

Now they contacted us again saying that they have to use drain cleaners every week and that the bathrooms smell of sewage in the morning.

Is the responsibility for fixing this ours or theirs?

​​​​​​​Thank you

I issued S21 at month 5,when tenants had blocked the drains/toilet,waiting 2 weeks until late 23 Dec.to report.My partner spent a horrible Christmas,with drain rods.We told them that if a further episode arose we would get a report,and if it was their doing it would be charged to them.However,these tenants were struggling to pay the rent,so it would have been hard to pursue them.They also allowed mould to spread indoors.I could not rest easy with people like this in my property,they sound disgusting.Depending on your type of property,it can also back up and affect neighbours.As the landlord you are expected to have all forms of sanitation working,but you should be able to reclaim the costs from them in this case,or deduct from deposit when they leave.

Thank you.
So shall i organise a company to come and look at the drains and then ask the tenants to pay for the cost, considering the company states that it is the tenant's fault?

Yes,you can't leave it like that.Worse case scenario could be raw sewage flooding your h21ome.You need to check your insurance cover.The contractor will have to be paid,probably by you.I would get something on record -email,text,letter-explaining that this problem is down to their (gross)  lifestyle.Say they are responsible for settling this bill.If nothing else,I would issue 21 to give them warning.They may change their ways -don't hold your breath.